King sends condolences as death toll passes 1,600

KING Charles has spoken of the shock and sadness he and the Queen felt in a message of condolence to the people of Myanmar after Friday’s deadly earthquakes.

- By Marco Giannangeli

At least 1,644 people have died, with a further 3,408 injured.

But many more are believed to be trapped after ancient temples and modern blocks of flats were reduced to rubble.

US specialists predict the death toll could exceed 10,000, with losses wiping out the civil-war riven nation’s economy.

In a message on social media, King Charles, below right, who is recovering at his Highgrove Estate from the side effects of his cancer treatment, said: “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.

“I know the people of Myanmar continue to endure so much hardship and tragedy in your lives, and I have long admired your extraordinary resilience and spirit.”