King Charles III has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating floods and landslides that struck communities along the Nepal-Tibet border, as the United Kingdom announced £5 million in emergency assistance.
The British monarch said he and Queen Camilla were “heartbroken” by the disaster and offered condolences to families who lost loved ones or are still waiting for news of missing relatives.
In a personally signed message shared by the royal family, Charles acknowledged the strong links between Britain and the affected region.
He said many people in the United Kingdom have “strong, deep and personal ties” to the area.
King Sends Condolences To Victims
Charles expressed sympathy for families who lost relatives in the disaster and those anxiously waiting for information about missing friends and loved ones.
He also paid tribute to police officers, soldiers and other emergency personnel who died while attempting to help those caught in the floods.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction, with powerful torrents of water and mud sweeping through communities, destroying buildings, damaging infrastructure and leaving hundreds of people missing.
UK Announces £5m Emergency Support
The British government has pledged £5 million ($6.8 million) to support relief operations in Nepal.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain would stand with Nepal during the crisis and described the scenes emerging from the disaster as devastating.
The UK has also offered to deploy emergency responders to assist local authorities with rescue and recovery operations.
British Nationals Among Those Missing
Nepal’s Tourism Board reported that 33 British nationals were among hundreds of foreign nationals believed to be missing following the disaster.
However, the British government has not confirmed the figure, saying only that a number of British citizens were believed to be unaccounted for.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are working to establish the identities and locations of people who remain missing.
Historic Britain-Nepal Ties
Britain has longstanding ties with Nepal, particularly through the Gurkha soldiers who have served in the British Army for generations.
The Gurkha community expressed solidarity with those affected by the disaster and praised Nepal’s army and emergency services for their efforts.
“As the scale of the tragedy in Nepal becomes apparent today, all of the Gurkha family stand united in support of the people affected,” the group said.
With the death toll continuing to rise and hundreds still missing, rescue teams remain focused on finding survivors while humanitarian agencies work to provide food, shelter and medical assistance to affected communities
