First Hong Kong victim confirmed dead in Nepal earthquake disaster
Himalayan catastrophe claims first victim from city as quake death toll rises to more than 4,600
A Hong Kong resident has died in the Nepal earthquake, it was confirmed yesterday as the death toll rose to more than 4,600 and officials warned the figure could reach 10,000.
The 42-year-old victim was of Nepali origin but held a Hong Kong identity card and lived with his family and worked in the city.
It is the first death involving a Hong Kong resident in the disaster. The Immigration Department said it had contacted the man's family to offer assistance.
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said the number killed could reach 10,000, making it the worst disaster in the country's history. Nepal's home ministry said 8,174 people had been hurt.
Last night, eight Hongkongers remained missing. Another 33 were confirmed safe and well, including four women on a climbing expedition who had been unaccounted for.
Julie Ng Hoi-yan, 27, Gloria Yeung Wai-yue, 25, Clara Cheung Yan-shi, 28, and Jessica Leung Yin-ting, 27, had lost contact with their families for more than two days since the quake struck.