​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government sent a 59-strong search and rescue team to the quake-stricken areas in Türkiye tonight (February 8) to assist in the search and rescue work.

     The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, saw the search and rescue team off at Hong Kong International Airport. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, also attended and showed support to the team.

     The team, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Services Department (FSD), Mr Yiu Men-yeung, comprises 49 members of the FSD's Urban Search and Rescue Team, which includes firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health.

     The approximately eight tonnes of equipment the team is taking includes life detectors and masonry cutting machines as well as the team members' daily necessities.

     The team left for Türkiye on Turkish Airline flight number TK071. They will join local rescue teams to start search and rescue work on arrival.

Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Issued at HKT 23:30

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