The chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions have expressed deep condolences and pledged to provide relief aid following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southwestern China’s Xizang autonomous region on Tuesday morning, toppling thousands of rural houses on the northern slope of the Himalayas.
As of Wednesday morning, 126 people have been confirmed dead and 188 others injured in the temblor.
In a social media post late on Tuesday, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu offered his condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured.
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He said no request for assistance has been received so far from Hong Kong SAR residents, but pledged to closely monitor the situation in Dingri county, located in Shigatse -- the epicenter of the quake.
He said the HKSAR’s Immigration Department and its Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu, Sichuan province, are in close touch with the Chinese mainland authorities on the latest developments. He said the HKSAR government is prepared to help when needed.
“We’ll keep in close contact with relief and disaster organizations, ready to provide appropriate assistance through the disaster relief fund,” Lee said.
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He also encouraged the first responders to do their best to help the victims and hope all those involved are safe. “We hope the situation will be under control as soon as possible.”
Sam Hou-fai, chief executive of the Macao SAR, extended his deep condolences on Tuesday, saying he’s confident that, under the central government’s leadership, officials and residents in the affected regions will work together to overcome this difficult time.
“The people of Macao are deeply concerned about the disaster area, as we’re all connected by blood,” Sam said, adding that Macao SAR will make every effort to provide the necessary support and assistance.
