King Charles issues statement over 'terrible' floods in South and Southeast Asia
Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Malaysia have all been affected
King Charles has issued a heartfelt statement addressing the devastating floods wreaking havoc across South and Southeast Asia.
The monarch released a personal statement on the royal family’s official Instagram account earlier today, expressing his sadness at the destruction caused by multiple tropical cyclones and days of torrential rain.
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King Charles issues statement over floods in South and Southeast Asia
In his message, signed “Charles R”, the king wrote: “My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the devastation caused by the terrible storms across South and Southeast Asia. We can only begin to imagine the scale of destruction and the anguish faced by all those whose lives and livelihoods have been so profoundly affected.”
He continued: “We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many whose homes have been destroyed and to all who are awaiting news of loved ones missing.”
King Charles praised the “extraordinarily brave emergency responders” providing “vital assistance”.
He ended his message with a call for global environmental action.
The king said: “These disasters remind us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of nature.”
His statement concluded with a prayer for “strength and solace” for communities across India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The post was met with an outpouring of appreciation in the comments section, with users from across the region thanking the king for his compassion.
One commenter wrote: “Much love from Indonesia”.
Another added: “As a Sri Lankan, I appreciate King Charles’ message! I expect other European monarchs to follow the lead.”
South and Southeast Asia floods
The statement follows a string of natural disasters across the region. Three tropical cyclones coinciding with monsoon rains have caused extensive destruction.
Severe flooding, landslides, and torrential rain have impacted countries from Indonesia to Vietnam, leaving more than 1,000 people dead and hundreds more missing.
Sri Lanka is facing what President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called its “largest and most challenging natural disaster,” with more than 330 lives lost, hundreds missing, and nearly 150,000 people displaced to temporary shelters.
Cyclone Ditwah battered the island last week. Train and flight services have now resumed. However, many schools remain closed, and recovery efforts are still underway.
Vietnam is now bracing for more rain. Meanwhile, Malaysia remains on alert for a second wave of flooding.
Read more: Security measures in place as King Charles to host state visit with German president in days
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