HK$40m boost for disaster relief fund approved, ensuring aid for typhoon

The Legislative Council yesterday approved a HK$40 million injection to the government's disaster relief fund to ensure there is enough cash for local charities to help those hit by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

The decision came as the death toll from one of the world's most powerful storms surged to about 4,000. International aid workers were finally able to set up makeshift hospitals as supplies - including medicine and water flown in by helicopters from a US aircraft carrier - reached remote areas levelled a week ago.

Despite the arrival of aid, concerns remain for survivors.

"We are very, very worried about millions of children," UN Children's Fund spokesman Marixie Mercado said in Geneva.

Speaking at a meeting of Legco's Finance Committee, director of administration Kitty Choi Kit-yu said the cash injection was necessary as the disaster relief fund held only HK$9.31 million, while she understood that three to four organisations were planning to apply for about HK$14 million to help typhoon victims.

Lawmakers worried about how the administration could make sure that the money would not be wasted. Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing cited fears about corruption.

But Choi emphasised the funding would be used only by relief groups, not officials. "We are only adding money to our piggy bank for the charities to apply," Choi said. "And when we scrutinise their proposals, we will look at the timetable of their relief project, where are they doing it, and details such as how many packs of rice, bottles of shampoo … or medicine are they buying."