KING Charles III has expressed his admiration for emergency services and volunteers who responded to deadly flooding in Australia’s most populous state.
Five people died and more than 1200 buildings were made uninhabitable after the record-breaking deluge across the NSW mid-north coast and surrounding regions.
The flooding, which has now mostly ended, “greatly concerned” himself and his wife, Queen Camilla.
“We can only say that our thoughts are very much with all those who have been affected so badly, especially the family and friends of the five people who tragically lost their lives,” the King said in a message shared by Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
“We send our special prayers and deepest sympathy to all who mourn them.”
The King also praised the thousands of people who responded to the disaster, including 2200 SES volunteers, 2000 council and utilities workers and scores of volunteers from grassroots groups.
“I have the greatest admiration for the emergency services, the volunteers and volunteer organisations, as well as the disaster recovery agencies, who are now gathering to work together and support one another on the long road to recovery,” he said.
Dairy farmers, meanwhile, are facing crippling financial situations to keep their cows fed and watered on the mid-north coast.
The mammoth floods wiped out farmland and swept some cattle into towns and out to sea, while others were drowned where they stood.
“Tackling the ‘cash crunch’ for farmers and communities will not only keep our farmers producing milk, but also benefit the regional communities where they shop,” Australian Dairy Farmers president Ben Bennett.
By Jack GRAMENZ, AAP
