Hong Kong mobilizes HK$50 million for Nepal-Tibet flood relief
Quick Look
Hong Kong's government and organizations launched fundraising for victims of deadly flash floods at the Nepal-Tibet border, with Chief Executive John Lee allocating HK$50 million from the Disaster Relief Fund and the Hong Kong Jockey Club donating HK$20 million, while Macau pledged 30 million yuan.
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Why It Matters
The flash floods occurred after a wall of mud and rock collapsed into a river along the Himalayan border between Nepal and Tibet, triggering catastrophic flooding. The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, formed after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, is involved in rescue efforts.
Hong Kong’s Nepalese community and other local organisations have launched fundraising drives to support those affected by deadly flash floods at the Himalayan nation’s border with the Tibet autonomous region, as the city government earmarked HK$50 million (US$6.38 million) to support relief efforts.
In a social media post on Saturday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the HK$50 million would come from the Disaster Relief Fund and that its advisory committee would process applications swiftly.
“I express my deep condolences for the victims and extend my heartfelt sympathies to those affected and the families of the victims,” he said.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club also announced it was donating HK$20 million to support ongoing relief efforts, while the Macau government said it would donate 30 million yuan (US$4.5 million).
The club added the Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, a collaboration between Polytechnic University and Sichuan University established in the wake of the deadly 2008 quake in mainland China, was also taking part in rescue efforts.
On Wednesday, a huge wall of mud and rock collapsed into a river along the Himalayan border between Nepal and Tibet, triggering catastrophic flooding.
Open Questions
- What is the exact death toll and number of missing persons from the floods?
- How will the HK$50 million from the Disaster Relief Fund be distributed?
- What specific rescue and relief operations are underway on the ground?
- Are there any long-term reconstruction plans for the affected areas?
