Statement: Tibetans & Supporters Mourn Loss of Life and Suffering in Tibet Earthquake; Call for International Recognition that Earthquake Zone is in Chinese-occupied Tibet
Staff and members of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) today expressed deepest condolences to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Kyegundo (spoken: Jyekundo) in Kham, eastern Tibet (Ch: Jieguduo or Yushu, Qinghai Province) at approximately 7:45am on April 14th, 2010. Media sources have reported nearly 600 people killed and 10,000 injured, while Tibetans with contacts in the area report the death toll may to be as high as 4,000. Reports that a dam in the region could burst have prompted people to flee into the surrounding mountains.
Reports from Kyegundo describe massive devastation. In one monastery, Thrangu Tashi Choling, 200 people are reported to have died when the buildings collapsed. Tibetans living in exile are frantically trying to reach family members, however phone lines are down and many people are afraid to speak openly about the situation as the Chinese government monitors all phone calls and Internet communication.
The situation in Kyegundo has been tense since protests against Chinese rule broke out in 2008. In the aftermath of the countrywide uprising, the Chinese government flooded the region with troops. Although relief efforts are underway, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the Chinese government’s response given that international media are now barred from the earthquake zone. [Note: Media were reportedly banned from the region at the time this statement was published. It now appears that the media are being allowed access to the earthquake zone.]
“Troops have been stationed in and around Kyegundo, and indeed even in the most remote corners of Tibet, since protests erupted in 2008 but it remains to be seen how they will respond to this devastating earthquake,” said Tenzin Dorjee, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. “After decades of marginalization and repression, Tibetans are understandably deeply suspicious of the Chinese government even in a situation as dire as this.”
Tibetan activists are calling on international media outlets to acknowledge that the earthquake struck Chinese-occupied Tibet. Most media are referring to the earthquake zone as “western China” or “Qinghai province bordering Tibet.” Kyegundo is located in the historical Tibetan province of Kham, which was carved up and annexed into China’s Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
“It is extremely distressing to hear, over and over again. that this earthquake struck China. Tibetans around the world – already mourning the deaths and disappearances of their loved ones – should not have to endure the added anguish of their identity being suppressed.” added Dorjee.
There has been a major outpouring of grief and support for relief efforts by Tibetans and Tibet supporters worldwide. Vigils and fundraising events are planned in cities around the world, including New York, Toronto, Minnesota, San Francisco, London, UK and Dharamsala, India.
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