No help requests from Hongkongers in earthquake-hit Gansu province: Eric Chan
Local | 19 Dec 2023 11:57 am
The Immigration Department has yet to receive any help request from Hongkongers located in the Gansu province that was hit by a magnitude-6.2 earthquake around midnight on Tuesday.
The quake struck Jishishan county in China's northwestern province of Gansu at 11.59 pm local time (1559 GMT) on Monday at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), according to China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).
So far, at least 111 people were killed and more than 230 were injured.
Acting Chief Executive Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the government will closely monitor the situation there and will soon contact local aid organizations to commence the Disaster Relief Fund.
The government will call a meeting with the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee as soon as possible after receiving applications from aid organizations, Chan added.
Chan also extended condolences to the deceased and their families who have suffered in this earthquake on the behalf of the SAR government, and wished them a speedy recovery.
Chan continued that the government will discuss with its mainland counterpart on mobilizing rescue teams to Gansu, saying that the government will definitely render full assistance if necessary.
He pointed out time is of the essence when it comes to rescue missions and noted the blistering cold of winter in Gansu.
(With Reuters inputs)
Also read: Death toll rises to 111 after earthquake in China's remote northwest
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