150 personnel join search for Hong Kong hiker missing for week as super typhoon edges closer
- Ning Kwok-leung left home to go on a solo hike in Ma On Shan Country Park last Wednesday and was reported missing by his family the same day
- Fire Services Department has deployed 101 personnel, including members of the mountain search and rescue team
Hong Kong authorities have deployed nearly 150 personnel in the search for a 57-year old hiker missing for a week, as an approaching super typhoon adds to fears for his safety.
Ning Kwok-leung left home to go on a solo hike in Ma On Shan Country Park last Wednesday and was reported missing by his family the same day. He struggled to speak in a call to emergency hotline officers on Saturday.
The Fire Services Department said it had deployed 101 personnel on Wednesday, including members of the mountain search and rescue team, a tactical support unit, unmanned vehicles and two dogs.
The Civil Aid Service deployed 19 personnel while police said they sent about 26 officers.
The Countryside Volunteer Search Team and Hong Kong Guardians, another voluntary group, also helped in the search.
A source said rescuers were working day and night in a race against time to find Ning, especially as Super Typhoon Saola was edging closer.
The Observatory issued the No 1 warning signal on Wednesday, with the storm 610km east-southeast of the city.
