Rescue effort: Permanent Secretary for Security Chang King-yiu (centre) encourages the Government Flying Services crew before their departure for Sichuan.

A Government Flying Service Super Puma helicopter has left for Sichuan to provide assistance in rescue and quarantine work.

Permanent Secretary for Security Chang King-yiu encouraged the crew before their departure.  

A Jetstream-41 fixed-wing aircraft, carrying equipment and materials for the helicopter's operation, has also left for Sichuan.

The helicopter will be taken over by the Government Flying Service officers in Sichuan upon its arrival. The crew delivering the helicopter and the aircraft crew will return Hong Kong, while an aircraft engineer will join the team in Sichuan.