The statue of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy has weathered three years of exposure to harsh winter snow and sleet and summer monsoons, but until Tuesday its eyes had remained jet black, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

"We were all shocked," said Omar Hanson as he stood in front of the 13-ton statue, explaining how locals were amazed to see what appeared to be tears emanating from the statue's eyes and running down her cheeks.

The piece was handcrafted several years ago in northern Myanmar, one of the countries hit by Sunday's devastating earthquake and tsunamis, which have claimed over 80,000 lives so far.