The Government has sent more protective gear, disinfection equipment and other relief supplies to Sichuan to help earthquake victims, Deputy Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Alice Lau says.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Ms Lau said more resources can be deployed to help the victims, if necessary. 

She said a 15-member team of Government public health officers left for Sichuan early this week to help implement infection-control measures in earthquake-devastated areas and advise on water sanitation.

Four team members have returned to Hong Kong and the 11 officers who are still working in the province include eight Food & Environmental Hygiene Department officers and three doctors from the Department of Health.

Assistant Director of Health Dr Cindy Lai said no public health abnormalities have been detected in the affected areas and there is no widespread outbreak of infectious diseases.

However, the drastic temperature fluctuation between day and night will pose a threat to public health and environmental hygiene. Officers from Hong Kong will offer advice to help prevent epidemics.

The rainy weather also made disinfection work difficult, Ms Lau said. Since the rain washes away the disinfectant, officers must spray it repeatedly.

Noting team members are facing a heavy workload under pressure, she said psychological counselling services will be arranged for them when they return to Hong Kong.

1 HK man still missing

Up to 5pm today, the Immigration Department had received no new requests for assistance, although one Hong Kong man remains missing.

Since the May 12 earthquake, the department has received 126 calls for assistance and 471 enquiries. Of the requests, 101 related to Hong Kong people losing contact with their families, one regarded an injury, and 24 concerned the loss of travel documents or money.

The department is working with the Hong Kong 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.