Four immigration officers sent to Phuket to help Hong Kong people affected by the tsunamis that struck tourist resorts in southern Thailand have visited 10 hospitals in the area, while two other officers have departed for Colombo, Sri Lanka to help Hong Kong people there.

So far, two Hong Kong people suffering from minor injuries are still hospitalised, seven have been treated and discharged, and some may be missing, but none is known to have died in the disaster.

As at 1pm on Tuesday, 431 enquiries and 525 requests for assistance had been received.

By early this morning, senior immigration officers Leung Chiu-pun and Lee To-lung, and immigration officers Yung Chi-keung and Kwok Yee-fa, had visited 10 hospitals in Phuket in Thailand, to assist in the safe return of Hong Kong residents.

Senior immigration officer Freddy Ng and immigration officer Daniel Yip departed for Colombo, Sri Lanka last night to assist and help speed the safe return of affected Hong Kong people.

Victims, relatives can call hotline

Speaking to the media at the Central Government Offices yesterday, Mr Lee said more than 600 enquiries and requests for assistance had been received, with some callers saying they could not get in touch with their relatives.

He noted so far no Hong Kong people were known to have died in the incident.

Hong Kong residents abroad who need assistance can contact the Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate General in their destination or call the Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline (852) 2829 3010. Local residents needing assistance can also call the hotline.