Dharamsala, Oct 7 (IANS) Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed grief over the lives lost in the strong quake that rocked Tibet Monday, an official statement of the Tibetan government-in-exile said here Tuesday.In a message to the quake-hit families, the spiritual guru said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and property as a result of the earthquake that struck Damxung county and neighbouring areas west of Lhasa.”

His statement added: “Our prayers go out to those who have lost their lives… and offer condolences to their families. I am exploring avenues to extend assistance as a token of my concern and solidarity with the people devastated by the earthquake.”

At least 30 people were killed when a powerful quake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale jolted Lhasa Monday evening. All the victims were from Gedar township in Damxung county.

The 73-year-old Nobel laureate is currently in New Delhi, undergoing a medical examination on the advice of his doctors. The spiritual leader was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai twice in August after he complained of “abdominal discomfort”.