HK, Macao leaders offer condolences to victims of Henan floods

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Macao Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng on Thursday expressed their deep condolences to the people of Central China's Henan province, after days of torrential rains that have left at least 33 dead and affected millions in the region.

"On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Henan province," Lam said in a social media post.

With the all-out efforts of the central, provincial and municipal governments, it is believed that the affected residents will be properly cared for, she added.

Lam stressed that the more frequent occurrence of natural disasters has reminded Hong Kong to promptly respond to extreme weather caused by global climate change. She called for public support and cooperation to achieve the city's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

In a letter to Governor of Henan Wang Kai, Ho expressed his sincere condolences to the victims of the record-breaking rainfall and floods in the province.

Ho called on the Macao community to support the victims in Henan province through different channels. The Henry Fok Foundation in Macao has donated 10 million yuan to support disaster relief and post-disaster recovery.

Nearly HK$100 million has been raised from the Hong Kong community through online and offline campaigns launched by various groups. It will be passed on to the Henan authorities via the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The Hong Kong Henan Association will also distribute 500 boxes of mineral water, instant noodles, and other supplies to the victims in the worst-hit areas through its two liaison offices in the provincial capital Zhengzhou.