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Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Government plans to donate $300 million to help Sichuan quake victims while a 20-member volunteer team has been set up to help with rescue work. The Government's Beijing and Chengdu offices will help Hong Kong people who might be stranded in that area.
An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale rocked Wenchuan yesterday. The Immigration Department has so far received 63 calls for assistance and 258 enquiries on contacting relatives and friends in Sichuan.
Mr Tsang told reporters today the Government has been liaising closely with the Central Government. The Government has proposed to donate $300 million to the Central Government's co-ordinating centre which is responsible for the rescue work. Lawmakers will hold a special meeting tomorrow morning to consider the funding proposal.
Expert teams
The Chief Executive said a volunteer team comprising experts from the Health and Fire Services Departments has been set up and will be dispatched to Sichuan to help with rescue work there.
Volunteers from the Hospital Authority and Auxiliary Medical Service have formed another team to offer assistance when necessary. The Beijing and Chengdu offices will help Hong Kong people who might be stranded in that area.
Mr Tsang called on the Hong Kong community to help the victims through donations, adding other measures may be considered depending on the severity of the situation.
He stressed the disaster will not affect the Beijing Olympics to be staged in August.
Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said the volunteer team comprises 15 firefighters, three ambulancemen, a doctor and a nurse, adding another team may be set up if needed.
On the 63 calls for assistance, immigration officers have established contact with 35 people, including a 60-year-old woman who is being treated in a Sichuan hospital for head injuries. Her condition is stable and help has been offered to her and her relatives.
Hong Kong people in need can call (852) 1868.
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