King Charles issues statement following 'tragic loss of life' in monsoon flooding
His Majesty has shared two poignant messages
King Charles has spoken out in a new statement amid the devastating impact of major monsoon floodings in India and Pakistan.
Hundreds of people have been killed by flash floods triggered by cloudbursts and monsoon rains in South Asia.
King Charles issues statement following flooding in India and Pakistan
“We are going through the seventh spell of monsoon of 2025,” National Disaster Management Authority chief Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik told reporters in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, this week.
“The predictions that we made about the monsoon from June to September, there will be at least 9 to 10 spells, which will impact different areas of Pakistan.”
King Charles has shared two poignant statements acknowledging the horrendous natural disasters.
His Majesty shares poignant words following ‘heart-rending’ loss
In a statement titled, “A message from His Majesty The King following the monsoon flooding in Pakistan,” the monarch has detailed his thoughts.
He wrote: “My wife and I have been desperately saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the recent monsoon flooding in Pakistan, and of the horrendous helicopter crash during rescue operations.
“The scale of suffering is truly heart-rending, and our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.”
Tragic helicopter crash following relief mission in Pakistan
On August 15, it was reported that a helicopter crashed in northwestern Pakistan during a relief mission. All five crew members including the two pilots onboard were killed.
The king continued: “We are especially mindful of the enduring bonds between our nations, and of the many families in the United Kingdom with close ties to Pakistan. Alongside them, we send our profound heartfelt condolences to those affected and stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this most difficult time.
“We hold in the highest regard the courage and commitment of the emergency services, volunteers and local communities who are working so hard and against such overwhelming odds to rescue those in danger and to provide vital relief to those whose lives have been so cruelly disrupted.
“Their selfless efforts are a testament to the resilience and compassion that shine through even in the darkest of hours. As the communities affected confront the challenges of recovery and rebuilding, we offer our sincere admiration for their resilience, together with our special prayers.”
Pilgrimage in India struck by flooding
King Charles also issued a message to those effected by the floods in India. India’s financial capital, Mumbai, has been paralysed by 800mm of rainfall in just four days.
In a message titled, “A message from His Majesty The King following the monsoon floods in India,” and shared to the Royal UK website, the monarch echoed similar sentiments.
He said: “My wife and I have been appalled to hear the heartbreaking reports of lives so tragically lost and communities shattered by the recent monsoon floods in India, including those on the annual pilgrimage to the Machail Mata temple.”
Machail Mata is a shrine to Chandi, a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every August.
King Charles shares ‘profound sympathy’
Floods struck Chisoti, a town in Kishtwar district, on Thursday morning. Chisoti serves as a key stop along the pilgrimage route to the Machail Mata temple.
The monarch added: “We send our most profound sympathy to all those mourning loved ones or facing the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
“We are especially aware of the enduring friendship between our nations, and of the many families across the United Kingdom who share close personal and cultural ties with India. Alongside them, we offer our deepest condolences and stand united with the people of India in this time of adversity.
“We recognise the bravery and tireless dedication of the emergency personnel and community volunteers who are working under such extreme conditions to save lives and deliver essential support to those in need. Their unwavering commitment is a powerful reflection of the compassion and strength that emerge even in the most difficult of circumstances.
“As the communities affected confront the challenges of recovery and rebuilding, we offer our sincere admiration for their resilience, together with our heartfelt thoughts and prayers.”
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