Over 400 relief-fund applications flood in

The government has received more than 400 applications for emergency relief at over 40 Home Affairs Department service kiosks across 18 districts prompted by the once-in-a-century downpour last Friday.

A few citizens waited in a queue outside the North District Government Offices before it started operation at 9 am yesterday.

A dozen people also went to Tai Po Government Offices yesterday morning to apply for emergency funds while government staff helped them record their damage.

A resident of Lam Tsuen in Tai Po showed the staff pictures of her flooded kitchen and damaged furniture in the living room.

Another woman, Wan, also said citizens were eager for the government's financial support.

She said: "We didn't expect the flooding would be that serious. The restrooms were flooded and the water level was up to our thighs. Some boards we put outside the doors were also washed away."

Another citizen, Tsang, appealed to the government to examine the safety of the flooded rivers.

"The government only examined and repaired a part of the rivers. Some stone barriers that are a few meters tall collapsed and were washed away and I don't even dare to walk past the river now," he said.

"When I was taking a picture there this morning, the whole barrier collapsed and fell into the river once I stepped on it. It was very dangerous and I hope the government can send officials there to have a look," he said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said the department set up 45 counters at its offices across the SAR on Tuesday and yesterday to help citizens affected by typhoon Saola and the black rainstorm to apply for financial support.

Farmers, fish farmers and fishermen who suffer from loss due to the extreme weather can also apply for emergency funds from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to September 20.