Hong Kong’s Nepalese community and other local organisations have launched fundraising drives to support those affected by the deadly flash flood at the Himalayan nation’s border with Tibet, as the city government earmarked HK$50 million (US$6.38 million) to support relief efforts.
In a social media post on Saturday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the HK$50 million would come from the Disaster Relief Fund and that its advisory committee would process applications swiftly.
“I express my deep condolences for the victims and extend my heartfelt sympathies to those affected and the families of the victims,” he said.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club also announced it was donating HK$20 million to support ongoing relief efforts, while the Macau government said it would donate 30 million yuan (US$4.5 million).
The club added the Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, a collaboration between Polytechnic University and Sichuan University established in the wake of the deadly 2008 quake in mainland China, was also taking part in rescue efforts.
On Wednesday, a huge wall of mud and rock collapsed into a river along the Himalayan border between Nepal and Tibet, triggering catastrophic flooding.