Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has expressed his full support for the volunteer teams of government officers who have arrived in Sichuan to help with rescue work in earthquake-stricken areas.

Meeting the team at Tung Chung Fire Station on Tuesday Mr Lee said the Government will do everything possible to help Mainland authorities in rescue work.

"I firmly believe you all will accomplish this most important task with professionalism," he said.

Ready for action: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee and Director of Fire Services Lo Chun-hung exhort Hong Kong's volunteer rescue teams.

The team, led by a Fire Services Department Senior Divisional Officer, comprises 15 firefighters and three ambulancemen from the department's Special Rescue Squad, as well as staff from the Health and Information Services Departments.

The team left for Chengdu today with four tonnes of equipment including life detectors and cutting machines. They started search and rescue work in Hanwang town in Mianzhu where a four-storey building collapsed. Five bodies have been recovered so far and it is believed about 20 people are trapped inside.

More rescuers

Another rescue team comprising 17 firefighters and three ambulancemen departed for Sichuan tonight. Apart from rescue work, the team will be assess what other support is need in the affected province and will report the situation to the Government.

Meeting the team at Tung Chung Fire Station, Director of Fire Services Lo Chun-hung thanked the officers for volunteering. Noting there have been aftershocks in the area and hygiene is poor, Mr Lo said the team will face a lot of challenges.

He reminded them to pay special attention to their own safety while doing their best in conducting the rescue. There will be a safety officer with them offering advice.

Requests for help

The Immigration Department has so far received 106 calls for assistance and 363 enquiries in the wake of the earthquake. Most of the requests involved cases in which family members in Hong Kong failed to contact relatives on the Mainland. Seventy Hong Kong residents have re-established contact with family members.

The department will maintain close ties with Mainland authorities through the Hong Kong Office in Beijing to render help to Hong Kong people in need. Those who require help can call (852) 1868.