The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today that it approved in-principle grants of about $33 million under the Disaster Relief Fund for assisting earthquake-affected Gansu and Qinghai.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Jishishan County of the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu, resulting in serious casualties and infrastructure damage in Gansu and Qinghai.

The fund, approved in consultation with the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee, five disaster relief applications from five organisations including the Amity Foundation, Hong Kong; the HKFTU Disasters Relief Charity Fund, the H.K. United Youth Exchange Foundation, the Hong Kong Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations Charitable Foundation; and Oxfam Hong Kong.

Extending deep sympathy to the Mainland compatriots affected by the disaster, the Government said the grants demonstrate the close relationship between Hong Kong and Mainland people and the spirit of mutual help. It expressed hope that the grants will provide appropriate assistance for the compatriots affected, help the disaster-stricken areas overcome difficulties, and facilitate post-disaster reconstruction.

The Government stressed that it will maintain close liaison with the organisations concerned to monitor the progress of their relief projects. Those organisations are also 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 Government added that together with the committee, it will closely monitor the disaster situation and related assistance work, and process any subsequent relief applications from other organisations to help the people affected in a timely manner.