STORY: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Sunday (August 30) offered prayers in India's northern hill town of Ladakh for victims of the deadly flash floods that hit the Nepal-Tibet border region.

Triggered by a glacier collapse, a torrent of rock, ice, mud and debris hurtled through mountain river systems on Wednesday (August 26), killing at least 734 people in Nepal and seven in China's Tibet. It swept away buildings, bridges and power stations.

"For the benefit of the deceased, those missing, we will pray to Avalokiteshvara and recite the six syllable mantra," the Dalai Lama told a gathering in Ladakh.

In Nepal, rescue efforts have become more focused on hundreds of people believed to be trapped inside tunnels at hydropower plants damaged by the floods.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal required specialist assistance to rescue people trapped in tunnels; restore transport and communication lines where bridges had been destroyed; identify bodies; conduct DNA testing; and store bodies for longer periods.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: LEH, LADAKH, INDIA (AUGUST 30, 2026) (CENTRAL TIBETAN ADMINISTRATION HANDOUT - No use India)

1. VARIOUS OF EXILED TIBETAN SPIRITUAL LEADER THE DALAI LAMA SITTING DURING PRAYER CEREMONY FOR NEPAL FLOOD VICTIMS

2. BUDDHIST MONKS SEATED

3. EXILED TIBETANS SEATED

4. THE DALAI LAMA

5. MONKS

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Tibetan) EXILED TIBETAN SPIRITUAL LEADER, THE DALAI LAMA, SAYING:

"The recent flash floods in the Nepal-Tibet border region, particularly in the Kyirong on the Tibetan side and in the Rasuwa area of Nepal-have caused great loss of life, suffering and destruction. For the benefit of the deceased, those missing, we will pray to Avalokiteshvara (Buddhist deity) and recite the six syllable mantra. May these prayers help and benefit all those affected by this tragedy."

7. BUDDHIST MONKS PRAYING

8. DALAI LAMA RECITING MANTRA

9. EXILED TIBETANS SEATED