King Charles ‘deeply saddened’ over ‘terrible’ floods in South and Southeast Asia
King Charles has released a heartfelt message addressing the ongoing devastation caused by catastrophic floods throughout South and Southeast Asia.
The statement, shared Monday on the royal family’s official social media channels, expressed his sorrow over the widespread destruction brought on by several tropical cyclones and relentless rainfall.
A Message of Sympathy and Support
In the 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.”
Charles also praised the “extraordinarily brave emergency responders” for providing “vital assistance” during the crisis.
A Call for Environmental Awareness
Toward the end of his message, the king highlighted the growing urgency of global environmental action.
“These disasters remind us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of nature,” he said.
His statement concluded with a prayer for “strength and solace” for communities across India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Regional Response to the King’s Words
The post received an immediate wave of gratitude from social media users throughout Asia. Many thanked the king for acknowledging the suffering across the region.
One user wrote: “Much love from Indonesia.”
Another commented: “As a Sri Lankan, I appreciate King Charles’ message! I expect other European monarchs to follow the lead.”
The Ongoing Disaster in South and Southeast Asia
The king’s statement comes as numerous countries confront severe destruction from multiple tropical cyclones that coincided with the monsoon season.
Massive flooding, deadly landslides, and unrelenting rain have devastated areas from Indonesia to Vietnam. More than 1,000 people have died, with hundreds still unaccounted for.
Sri Lanka has been hit particularly hard, facing what President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has described as its “largest and most challenging natural disaster.” Over 330 lives have been lost, hundreds remain missing, and around 150,000 people have been forced into temporary shelters.
Charles’ Past Messages on Disasters
This is not the first time the king has publicly addressed a natural catastrophe. In October, he issued a statement for those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, writing:
“My wife and I have been deeply concerned and profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. Our anxious thoughts are with all those who have been so cruelly affected by this awful storm.”
