The most devastating earthquake in three decades struck the country on 12 May, leaving tens of thousands of people dead, injured or missing. I was astounded by the sheer magnitude of the devastation and mostly saddened by the high number of deaths and casualties.

Rescue teams led by the Central Government, supported by peoples all over the world, give nothing but their best to save lives and start to manage a wide range of issues following the disasters. Medical care for the injured, food, water and shelters for the survivors and rescue workers, re-building of roads and communications, prevention of the spread of infectious diseases are all critical matters to deal with.

For us at the airport, we are keen to do our part. We immediately put into action a number of initiatives such as drawing money from the Airport Authority's charity fund for the quake victims, matching every dollar that staff members contribute. We also organised a donation campaign, inviting airport retailers and restaurants to donate part of their sales proceeds towards relief fund for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. By 23 May, we collected HK$4.27 million which went to Hong Kong Red Cross and the Liaison Offi ce of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the relief works in Sichuan.

On 19 May, Hong Kong International Airport joined the rest of the country to observe a three-minute silence at 2:28pm and fl y the fl ags at half-mast for three days in condolence and as a tribute of respect for the earthquake victims and compassion for the survivors.

Looking ahead, we must continue to help the victims and their families to rehabilitate. Our hearts go to the quake victims and their families and we offer them our deepest condolences. May all those affected by the terrible tragedy be in a position to rebuild their lives and families soon.