Relief fund for farmers affected by Tropical Cyclone Wipha

     Local farmers who suffered serious losses caused by the Tropical Cyclone Wipha can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from tomorrow (August 2) to August 12 for assistance from an emergency relief fund.
 
     An AFCD spokesman said today (August 1) that an appropriate amount of the relief fund would be released to affected farming households according to established criteria.
 
     The department's preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by the typhoon.
 
     "After each typhoon or natural disaster, our staff will inspect farmland areas in the New Territories to assess the resultant damage," the spokesman said.
 
     "Depending on the gravity of the damage, we may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected farmers."
 
     Applicants for the fund should register at the office of the Department's Agricultural Extension Section at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or call 2476 2424 for enquiries.