Air aid: Five Government Flying Service officers will join rescue and relief operations in Sichuan.

A five-member Government Flying Service team has left for Sichuan province to help with rescue and relief work for earthquake victims.

They comprise two pilots, two aircrewman and an aircraft engineer and will join the Hong Kong Government's rescue team.

Up to 11pm today the Immigration Department had received 125 calls for assistance and 413 requests for help in contacting friends and relatives in Sichuan. Of the 100 Hong Kong people who reportedly lost contact with their families, 89 have re-established contact.

The department and the Hong Kong Government office in Beijing will maintain close ties with Mainland authorities to follow up on the remaining 11 cases and render all practical assistance to Hong Kong people in need. Those who require help can call (852) 1868.

High spirits

Meanwhile, Hong Kong search and rescue teams working in the province remain motivated and busy despite the difficulties.

Deputy Director of Fire Services Chan Chor-kam said on a radio talk show today the rescuers' spirits are high and their health is good.

The 41-member team is sifting through a collapsed office building and a factory in Hanwang in Mianzhu. He said the team has faced numerous aftershocks and the risk of further collapses. They will try to locate 14 missing people by digging a tunnel through the debris today.

They will stay in the disaster area at least seven days and will receive counselling on their return to Hong Kong. More rescuers will be deployed if necessary, Mr Chan added.

Hospital Authority Director (Quality & Safety) Dr Leung Pak-yin said 11 Government doctors are helping in the relief efforts and 19 more will be sent tomorrow. They are working at Huaxi Hospital in Chengdu.

A microbiological expert will also join them to help prevent and control infectious disease.