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.

2 HK men still missing

Up to 11am today the Immigration Department received no new requests for assistance, although two Hong Kong men remain missing.

Since the May 12 earthquake, the department has received 126 calls for assistance and 466 enquiries. Of the requests, 101 related to Hong Kong people losing contact with their families, one regarding injury and 24 on the loss of travel documents or money.

The department is working with the Hong Kong Government Offices in Beijing and Chengdu to find the missing men and help Hong Kong people in need. People needing help can call (852)1868.