The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today sent a 51-strong team to Myanmar to assist in the search and rescue work in the earthquake-stricken areas.

Chief Executive John Lee saw the search and rescue team off at Hong Kong International Airport.

Led by Fire Services Department (FSD) Deputy Chief Fire Officer Cheu Yu-kok, the team comprises 40 FSD staff members, and officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Hospital Authority (HA).

Apart from two search and rescue dogs, the team is also taking around nine tonnes of equipment, including life detectors and masonry cutting machines, an automatic satellite tracking antenna system for network connection, and team members’ daily necessities.

Upon their arrival in Myanmar, the team will join local rescue teams to start search and rescue work.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung, and HA Chief Executive Dr Tony Ko were also present at the airport to show their support for the team.

In addition, the Hong Kong SAR Government has immediately reserved $30 million from the Disaster Relief Fund for emergency relief support.

It has also liaised with the Consul-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong, and will actively co-ordinate with various government bureaus and departments to collect the necessary relief supplies according to local needs, striving to deliver them as soon as possible to meet the urgency.