The search and rescue team deployed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to the quake-stricken areas in Myanmar to assist in the search and rescue work returned to Hong Kong yesterday night (April 9) after completing its mission.
     
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Permanent Secretary for Security, Mr Patrick Li; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; the Acting Director of Immigration, Mr Ching Wo-mok; and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority (HA), Dr Tony Ko, welcomed the team at Hong Kong International Airport.

     In his speech, Mr Lee said that the search and rescue team members overcame numerous difficulties and raced against time through their professional training, determined will and immense courage, fully demonstrating the professionalism in fearlessly braving challenges and caring for those in distress.

     Upon completion of the operation in Mantalay, Myanmar, the China and the HKSAR search and rescue teams arrived in Beijing yesterday afternoon. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, welcomed the teams at Beijing Capital International Airport and flew to Hong Kong together with the HKSAR search and rescue team yesterday night.

     The HKSAR search and rescue team departed for Myanmar on the afternoon of March 29 to conduct search and rescue work in Mantalay, one of the most devastated areas in Myanmar. The team conducted joint operations with the China search and rescue teams for days and successfully rescued one survivor. In addition, the HKSAR team found two bodies under the debris.

     The 51-strong HKSAR search and rescue team, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Services Department (FSD) Mr Cheu Yu-kok, comprises 40 members of the FSD, including firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the HA.

Ends/Thursday, April 10, 2025
Issued at HKT 0:50

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