*********************************
The Islands District Office (Islands DO) has been co-ordinating efforts by various government departments and non-government organisations to provide assistance to residents in Tai O affected by the heavy flooding caused by Typhoon Hagupit, a spokesman for the District Office said today (September 24).
The Islands DO made arrangements for the Civil Aid Service to help the local residents in clearing the sand and mud from their houses today.
Volunteers from the disciplined forces will go to Tai O tomorrow to offer assistance to the affected inhabitants.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has been removing the debris and rubbish on the streets left behind by the flooding.
While electricity supply has generally been restored in Tai O, action has been taken by the Islands DO and the power company to help individual households whose electricity supply has yet to resume due to damage to electricity lines inside their houses.
Staff from the Islands DO have been deployed to the Tai O Rural Committee to provide assistance for local residents. So far, some 100 requests for assistance have been received.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and make every effort to provide appropriate assistance to the residents. Residents who are affected by the flood and have financial difficulties may apply to the Island DO for emergency relief funds. The Islands DO has also made available a temporary shelter for residents who are in need," the spokesman added.
Ends/Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:35
NNNN