**Monaco’s Royal Family Expresses Condolences After Himalayan Floods**
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco issued an official statement on August 28, 2024, expressing “deep sorrow” over the catastrophic glacial collapse that struck the Nepal‑Tibet border on Wednesday, 26 August. The statement, released through the Prince’s Palace, conveyed condolences to the families of victims and affirmed “full solidarity with the Nepalese people and all the affected populations.”
In the remarks, the Prince praised the rescue teams operating under “particularly difficult conditions” and expressed hope that ongoing search efforts would locate those still reported missing. He noted that the Monegasque population shares in the grief over the disaster.
The incident began on the morning of 26 August when a massive mass of glacial ice and rock collapsed, generating seismic activity comparable to a magnitude‑5.2 earthquake. The resulting torrent of mud, debris and ice surged through river valleys on both sides of the border, creating a new lake that later overflowed into Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River.
According to Nepalese authorities, the death toll has risen to at least 489 in Nepal and five in the Chinese autonomous region of Tibet. Nearly 1,000 people remain missing, including more than 500 foreign nationals. Rescue operations were temporarily halted on Friday after the newly formed lake began to overflow, prompting additional evacuations and warnings of further flooding, landslides, and avalanches. Crews have since resumed work where conditions permit, though damaged roads, unstable terrain and severe weather continue to impede access to the hardest‑hit areas.
The royal family’s statement underscores Monaco’s solidarity with Nepal and the broader international response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Article and image source: monacolife.net
