About $800,000 worth of relief supplies has been procured by the Government to help Sichuan earthquake victims.

The Yingxiu Disaster Relief Command has asked for N95 masks, goggles, plastic boots and gloves, protective clothes and disinfectants. The supplies will arrive in Sichuan today.

The grant is further to a disbursement of $316 million made earlier for the Central Government relief headquarters, the Amity Foundation, the Red Cross and World Vision.

The direct shipment at government-to-government level has been made possible under a special mechanism formed by the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee, which enables quick response to direct appeals for aid. Reports will be issued to confirm the proper use of the supplies.

Fundraising permits

Up to 5pm today the Social Welfare Department had received 191 applications and granted 153 for public subscription permits to raise funds for quake victims. Click here to view the list.

The Immigration Department received no new requests for assistance today, although two Hong Kong men remain missing.

The department has received 126 calls for assistance and 462 enquiries since the earthquake. Of the requests 101 related to Hong Kong people losing contact with their families, one injury and 24 on the loss of travel documents or money.

The department is working with the Hong Kong SAR Government Offices in Beijing and Chengdu to find the missing men and help Hong Kong people in need. People needing help can call (852)1868.