*********************************************************

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, was deeply grieved to learn of the tragic loss and injury of tens of thousands of lives in several Asian countries as a result of the strong earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia and the related tsunamis.

"On behalf of the community of Hong Kong, we express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families," he said.

"The Government has immediately contacted our country's embassies/consulates in the affected areas to gather information about Hong Kong citizens hit by the disaster. We will make every effort to assist our citizens injured and stranded there," Mr Tung said.

The Immigration Department has already sent two officers to Phuket, Thailand this (December 27) morning to visit and assist the affected Hong Kong citizens.

Ends/Monday, December 27, 2004

NNNN