The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today approved nine disaster relief applications under the Disaster Relief Fund for grants totalling about $65 million to provide relief in the disaster-stricken Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and Northeast China.

The severe rainstorms and floods in these areas have resulted in serious causalities and property losses, thereby calling for urgent disaster relief work.

The Hong Kong SAR Government expressed deep sympathy to the Mainland compatriots affected and has maintained close contact with various rescue organisations.

It has promptly processed the disaster relief funding applications from nine organisations and informed them of the in-principle approval for the grants to offer help in terms of relief items.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will maintain close liaison with these organisations to monitor the implementation progress of their relief projects, so as to help the people affected resume a normal life as soon as possible.

The organisations are required to submit evaluation reports and audited accounts on the use of the grants to the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee after completing the relief projects.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that such grants demonstrate the close relationship between Hong Kong and Mainland people and the spirit of mutual help.

It hopes the grants will provide appropriate assistance for those affected and help the disaster-stricken areas overcome difficulties and proceed with post-disaster reconstruction.

"The Hong Kong SAR Government, together with the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee, will continue to closely monitor the disaster situation and related rescue work, and later process any applications from other organisations to help the people affected by the disaster in a timely manner,” it stressed.