Helplines in operation to let traumatised public talk it out

Television viewers who are upset by watching live coverage of the hostage drama may vent their grief and anger via helplines, social support groups say.

And employees of Hong Thai Travel who are grappling with the loss of their colleague, Masa Tse Ting-chunn, may turn to counselling services offered by the Social Welfare Department. Tse, 31, had worked for the agency for 11 years.

A department spokesman said a counselling team was available on 2343 2255 to lend an ear to the travel firm's staff and other people who needed mental or emotional support.

More than 100 people had called a support hotline, 2507 7750, jointly set up by the Hong Kong Red Cross and Hong Kong Psychological Society on Monday evening. The service will run until 10pm tomorrow.

The ages of the callers varied, with the youngest only eight. Most were emotionally unstable, their own unpleasant memories revived by the tragedy, said Dr Kitty Wu Kit-ying, of the society's critical incident team.

'Anger is part of a natural reaction. What we must do is to accept the reality and unleash the unpleasant feelings without hurting others,' Wu said.

It was also important to follow daily routines, such as going to school or work, so as not to be bogged down by the incident, she said.