King Charles sends 'heartfelt' message to Auckland flood victims: 'Be brave'
By Karishma Sarkari|
K?ing Charles has reached out to the people of New Zealand as Auckland continues to face a state of emergency.
Torrential rain last Friday ?night sparked widespread flooding across the city, with the seven-day declaration made after airports were shut down over ankle-deep water.
At least four people have died as a result of the flash flooding, when a month's worth of rain fell in just three hours across the city.?
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"It is with the deepest concern that I have been following news of the flooding and severe weather affecting several regions in Aotearoa New Zealand," the 74-year-old climate change activist wrote.
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"My wife and I send our heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives, and our thoughts are with the many others whose lives have been so terribly impacted by events.
?"I have long admired the strength and resourcefulness of New Zealanders, and I send my thoughts and prayers to all those who are supporting response and recovery efforts to help people repair or restore homes, businesses and lives."
He then wrote a Mจกori saying that translates to: "Be strong, be brave, be steadfast."
Charles made 10 trips to New Zealand as Prince of Wales, including his most recent, in 2019, with Camilla.?
The King sent similar messages to victims of both the Victorian and New South Wales floods late last year.?
The monarch's messages are reminiscent of ?the late Queen Elizabeth's poignant letters of hope, regularly issued in the face of natural disasters across the Commonwealth.
It shows the monarchy is set to keep this tradition well and truly alive through the Carolean era.?
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