King expresses shock and sadness at ‘catastrophic’ events

King Charles, in a message of support, has expressed his shock and sadness over the “catastrophic” events unfolding in central Europe due to severe flooding. The King, along with the Queen, has extended their deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the disaster. The flooding has affected several nations, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania, as a result of intense rainfall from a low-pressure system since last Thursday.

Authorities have reported a total of 23 deaths, with seven each in Poland and Romania, five in Austria, and four in the Czech Republic. In northern Italy, over 1,000 people were evacuated in the Emilia-Romagna region as the Lamone river overflowed near Bagnacavallo. King Charles, signing his message as Charles R, conveyed his heartfelt sympathy, acknowledging the strong ties many in the UK have with the affected region.

The King praised the courage and dedication of emergency services working tirelessly to provide support to those affected by the devastating floods. The European Union has warned that the floods, along with deadly wildfires in Portugal, are evidence of a “climate breakdown” that will continue unless significant action is taken to address it.

The King’s message comes as a beacon of hope and solidarity during these challenging times, offering support and condolences to those impacted by the catastrophic events in central Europe. As the recovery efforts continue, the international community stands together in the face of adversity, recognising the urgent need for collective action to address the growing challenges posed by climate change.