In appreciation: Hong Kong & Macau Affairs Office Director Cui Zhiwei (second from left) presents a banner to the Hong Kong search and rescue team.

The Sichuan Provincial People's Government thanks the Hong Kong search and rescue team for its work in the Sichuan earthquake disaster area.

Hong Kong & Macau Affairs Office Director Cui Zhiwei presented a banner to Hong Kong Economic & Trade Affairs Director in Chengdu Richard Luk and rescue team leader Tam Tai-keung.

The team is currently based in Chengdu and members are ready for new search and rescue operations assigned by Mainland authorities. It has so far recovered 24 bodies in Hanwang town in Mianzhu.

Assistance requests

The Immigration Department has not received any new requests for assistance concerning the Sichuan earthquake today. There are three remaining cases, involving three Hong Kong men who are either working or travelling on the Mainland, whose families have failed to contact them.

The department has so far received 126 requests for assistance and 462 enquires. Of the requests, 101 cases involved Hong Kong residents who reportedly lost contact with their families, one injury and 24 mainly about the loss of travel documents or money.

It will continue to work with the Hong Kong Government's Office in Beijing and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Chengdu to maintain liaison with Mainland authorities to follow up on the cases and render all practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in need.

Fund-raising permits

Up to 5pm today, the Social Welfare Department has received 176 applications, and granted 143, for public subscription permits to raise funds for Sichuan victims in public places. To view the list, click here.

People can call 2343 2255 for any doubts about fund-raising activities, or call the Police.