Prince Charles tells of his ‘shock, distresses’ over devastating east coast floods

The Prince of Wales has sent a message to flood victims on Australia’s east coast, telling of his “shock” and “distress”.

Prince Charles has told of his “distresses, immense concern and sympathy” amid the devastating flooding event that’s lashed Australia’s east coast.

His Royal Highness said having visited a number of the affected areas over the years, he was “deeply shocked” by the extent of the flooding.

The Prince of Wales — whose statement was issued via the Governor-General of Australia on Friday — said both he and his wife Camilla were “struck by the appalling images” they saw of devastation in places like Lismore and Ballina.

“It is with the greatest sadness that once again my wife and I express our distress, as well as immense concern and sympathy, following the tragic deaths and devastation caused by widespread flooding in Queensland and New South Wales,” he said.

Prince Charles said he and his wife Camilla felt “distresses, immense concern and sympathy” amid the floods in Australia’s east. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

He issued a public statement telling of his "shock" on Friday. Picture: Supplied

“We saw pictures of streets turned into fast flowing rivers and water levels rising to the rooftops of family homes. From the other side of the world we witnessed the valiant efforts of volunteers in small boats rescuing trapped neighbours and strangers alike

“It is incredibly distressing to learn that thousands of homes have been left uninhabitable, beyond repair.

Prince Charles said the couple's thoughts were with the thousands of people who lost their livelihoods and those families and friends who lost loved ones.

He added extreme weather events, like flooding and bushfires, were becoming much more common due to the effects of climate change.

The Prince reacted after he saw “appalling images” of the floods in Queensland and NSW. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

He said he knew there were be many “painful” months ahead as the clean up and recovery are underway. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“It is with profound regret that I once again express untold sympathy to Australians whose lives have been devastated by these floods, but also admiration for the selfless role played by all those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, including those now delivering food, water and fuel to people and communities isolated by these floods.

“From previous floods you have endured I know there are many painful months ahead of clean-up and recovery.

“My great admiration for the resilience, courage and compassion of the Australian people in moments like these knows no bounds.”