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Emergency relief for earthquake victims in Nepal
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     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has accepted the advice of the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee and approved a grant of $50 million to the Government of Nepal to provide emergency relief to the earthquake victims there.

     This follows the approval of a supplementary provision of $50 million by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council on April 30 to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund.

     Announcing the grant today (May 4), a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said that the earthquake disaster in Nepal has resulted in massive casualties and extensive damage, and many victims are in dire need of emergency relief to tide them over the present difficulties. The Government of Nepal has appealed to the international community for humanitarian assistance. It is hoped that the grant will facilitate the provision of timely relief to the victims and help them to restore their normal living.

     The Government of Nepal has a permanent fund - the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) - to mobilise, direct and co-ordinate disaster-related relief funds under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister. The PMDRF will report to the Government of Nepal on its activities and financial performances and will account for their work in the public.

     In line with the established arrangements for grants made under the Disaster Relief Fund, the Committee will request the recipient government authority to provide information on the disbursement of the grant for the relief activities.

     Meanwhile, the Secretariat of the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee has so far received one application from a local relief organisation for carrying out an emergency relief programme in Nepal. Quite a number of organisations have also indicated their plans to apply for the Disaster Relief Fund shortly. The Committee will expeditiously process the funding proposals received so as to enable the provision of early relief to the needy.

Ends/Monday, May 4, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:20

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