The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region search and rescue team returned to Hong Kong after accomplishing its mission in the quake-stricken areas in Türkiye, the Government said.
 
Chief Executive John Lee, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung, Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam, Deputy Director of Immigration Benson Kwok, as well as other officials, attended the welcome ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport.
 
At the ceremony, Mr Lee extended his sincere condolences to the people of Türkiye.
 
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the destruction caused by the deadly earthquake in Türkiye, and my thoughts are with everyone who is mourning the loss of their loved ones.
 
“The Hong Kong SAR Government is honoured to have taken part in the rescue efforts and given our assistance to the Turkish people. The tragedy has manifested the importance of solidarity of all mankind. We were deeply touched by the sense of unity showcased by the international community in the rescue mission.”
 
Offering words of encouragement, the Chief Executive expressed confidence that the Turkish people will soon recover, overcome difficulties and rebuild their communities.
 
On behalf of the city, Mr Lee thanked all members of the search and rescue team for their commitment and praised them for their valiant efforts to save lives, which demonstrated civil servants’ outstanding abilities and spirit of mutual support without boundary.
 
“The team showed no fear when faced with difficult conditions in the quake-stricken areas and successfully rescued four survivors. They have displayed great professionalism and valiant dedication in the process.”
 
Upon completion of the operation in Hatay Province, Türkiye, the China and the Hong Kong SAR search and rescue teams arrived in Beijing yesterday afternoon. Mr Chan, Mr Tang and Mr Yeung welcomed the teams at Beijing Capital International Airport and flew to Hong Kong with the Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team in the evening.
 
The 59-strong team departed on February 8 to carry out search and rescue work in Hatay Province, one of the most devastated areas in the recent earthquake in Türkiye. During their operation, the team rescued four survivors and found six bodies under the debris.
 
The team comprised 49 members of the Fire Services Department’s Urban Search & Rescue Team, which included firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health.