Emergency relief fund for farmers and fish farmers affected by Typhoon Saola (with photos)

     Local farmers and fish farmers who suffered serious losses caused by the recent Typhoon Saola can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from tomorrow (September 5) to September 13 for assistance from an emergency relief fund.

     An AFCD spokesman said today (September 4) that an appropriate amount of the relief fund would be released to affected farmers and fish farmers according to established criteria.

     The department's preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories and some fish rafts in certain fish culture zones were affected by the Typhoon Saola.

     "After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will contact farmers, fish farmers and fishermen to assess the respective damage to their farmland areas, fish rafts, fish ponds and fishing vessels. Depending on the gravity of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected persons," the spokesman said.

     Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can register in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.html). Enquiries can be made to 2476 2424 during office hours.    

     Affected marine fish farmers can register at the office of Licensing and Enforcement Section of the AFCD at 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon; Aberdeen Fisheries Offices, 100A Shek Pai Wan Road, Aberdeen; Tai Po Fisheries Offices, 3 Yu On Street, Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po; or submit applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_erf.html). Enquiries can be made to 2150 7108 during office hours.

     If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon "extreme conditions" announcement by the Government is in force during the above mentioned registration period, the registration period will be extended to September 14.