HK and Macao commit resources to support rescue, offering medical aid

Donations to relief efforts following the devastating mudslide in the Xizang autonomous region have continued to pour in, with the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Region governments and organizations contributing more than 100 million yuan ($14.9 million).

As of 6 pm on Saturday, 16 people had been confirmed dead and more than 546 others were still unaccounted for after a mudslide struck Gyirong Port along the China‑Nepal border on Wednesday morning.

Xinhua News Agency said the debris hurtled downhill at a high speed without any obstacles to dissipate it, leaving people with a narrow window to detect the threat and escape. Experts blamed a high-altitude glacier collapse for the tragedy.

In a social media post on Saturday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said HK$50 million ($6.4 million) has been set aside from the SAR government’s disaster relief fund to provide aid.

ALSO READ: 16 dead, 546 missing after mudslide hits Xizang border port

Lee expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophe, describing the high number of casualties and missing persons as “extremely distressing”. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected communities and families of the deceased, saying applications for aid will be promptly processed.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club on Saturday donated HK$20 million through the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR to support rescue operations, extended condolences to those affected and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The club said the Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, formed by Sichuan University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University with a donation from the jockey club following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, is helping with rescue efforts.

The West China Hospital of Sichuan University’s Emergency Medical Team — a grantee of the Institute of Philanthropy established by the HKJC and its Charities Trust — is also providing technical support with experienced clinicians in the disaster-hit region.

The Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Sino Group together donated 15 million yuan to support frontline rescue, resettlement and post-disaster reconstruction.

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The Macao SAR government has also donated 30 million yuan through the Macao Foundation.

Macao Chief Executive Sam Houfai expressed his condolences to the people of Xizang and said he felt great sympathy for those affected by the disaster.

The Macao SAR government said it will make every effort to provide medical and other aid needed in the affected areas and support post-disaster recovery. It called on all sectors of Macao society to extend assistance to Gyirong and help affected residents resume normal lives as soon as possible.

The Macau Red Cross donated 1 million yuan through the headquarters of the Red Cross Society of China to support emergency relief operations and the resettlement of those affected by the tragedy.

Contact the writers at: stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com