A Singaporean woman holding a Hong Kong ID card is reported dead in Sri Lanka following the tsunami, bringing the Hong Kong resident death toll to nine, Deputy Secretary for Security Michael Wong says.

On media reports about the death of a French family of three, Mr Wong said the cases have been classified as 'missing' after checking with the French consulate.

Mr Wong said as at noon today, six Hong Kong residents are known to be in hospital in Thailand, including a Dutch woman reported to be in a Phuket hospital.

15 sought

Mr Wong said of the 58 students from 26 schools who could not be contacted yesterday, 57 have been confirmed to be either staying in Hong Kong or to have travelled to areas not affected by the tsunami, while the remaining one is now in Thailand and confirmed to be safe.

He said the Education & Manpower Bureau has passed reports of another six out-of-reach students from four primary schools and kindergartens to the Security Bureau for follow up action.

Of the eight employees reported missing, Mr Wong said six have been confirmed safe, adding that seven new reports, comprising three men and four women, have been received today. Together with the man and woman reported missing yesterday, police are now looking for nine employees.

62 cannot be reached

At noon today, 62 Hong Kong residents still could not be reached. Of them, 34 were reported to be in Thailand, one in Malaysia, 11 in Indonesia and 16 in other places.

Mr Wong reiterated there were no Hong Kong residents known to be in Sri Lanka or the Maldives.

Meanwhile, 352 people were reportedly stranded in the affected areas. The number dropped to 197 from yesterday because many have either been contacted or returned to Hong Kong. The Government is now following up on the remaining reports.

DNA samples taken

Mr Wong said up to 4pm today, Police have taken 22 DNA samples, including oral swabs and hair, from families of missing people for identification.

He said families concerned can go to Central Police Station in Arsenal Street if they are willing and ready to provide samples. They can also call 2829 3010 for enquiries.

At present, families of 20 affected citizens have agreed to disclose their relatives' information onto the Immigration Department's Tsunami help info webpage.

Officers return

Mr Wong said as the situation in Thailand starts to stabilise and the need for the team's service is reducing, over 50 support team members will return tonight.

But 110 remain in Thailand and their service will be maintained. Mr Wong said manpower of the support team will be constantly reviewed to cope with the need for the service.