King Charles has sent a message of condolence to the people of Myanmar following the tragic earthquake that struck on Friday. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which occurred at midday local time, has claimed the lives of at least 1,644 people, with over 3,400 injured and 139 still missing. The destruction caused by the earthquake has left thousands in need of urgent aid, with homes, buildings, and places of worship severely damaged.
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In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their deep shock and sadness over the disaster. The King wrote, “My wife and I were most dreadfully shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, with its tragic loss of life and appalling damage to homes, buildings and livelihoods, not to mention the destruction of sacred pagodas, monasteries and other places of worship.” He further expressed admiration for the resilience of the people of Myanmar, acknowledging their enduring spirit in the face of adversity.
This message of sympathy comes at a time when King Charles has also had to cancel a planned visit to Birmingham, following medical advice. The monarch, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, is recuperating from temporary side effects. His diagnosis, which was announced in February 2024, has led to adjustments in his schedule, though Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer or the nature of the side effects.
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Following the earthquake, several aftershocks, including a significant 6.4-magnitude tremor, further exacerbated the damage. The powerful tremors caused buildings to collapse, roads to buckle, and bridges to fall. The effects were felt far beyond Myanmar, with vibrations reaching as far as Bangkok, Thailand, where six people have been confirmed dead and 26 others injured, primarily from a collapsed construction site near the popular Chatuchak market. The tremors also impacted regions in China and India.
