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   Thai authorities have confirmed, through the victim identification process, the death of four more Hong Kong residents in the December 26, 2004, tsunami.

   A Government spokesman said today (July 19) that this brought the total number of Hong Kong residents reported to have died to 34.

   Meanwhile, six Hong Kong residents are still missing. All were reported to have been in Thailand.  

  The Government will continue to follow up outstanding cases and provide practical assistance to Hong Kong residents and their families where necessary.

   Hong Kong Police have contacted relatives of missing Hong Kong residents to collect DNA samples for analysis on a voluntary basis. Analysed DNA information and fingerprint records were sent to the Thai authorities through the appropriate channels for identification purposes.

   Hong Kong residents may call the Immigration Department's hotline, 2829 3010, for assistance.

Ends/Tuesday, July 19, 2005

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