Local farmers, fish farmers and fishermen who suffered serious losses caused by the recent rainstorm disaster can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from tomorrow (September 12) to September 20 for assistance from an emergency relief fund.
An AFCD spokesman said today (September 11) that an appropriate amount of the relief fund would be released to affected farmers, fish farmers and fishermen according to established criteria.
The department's preliminary investigation has revealed that some farms and, fishponds in the New Territories and some fishing vessels were affected by the rainstorm disaster.
"After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will contact farmers, fish farmers and fishermen to assess the respective damage to their New Territories farmland areas, fish rafts, fishponds 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. Local farmers who have already submitted applications due to the impact of Typhoon Saola earlier do not need to apply again for this rainstorm disaster. The department will evaluate the damage situation altogether.
Affected pond fish farmers and fishermen can register at AFCD's office (Pond fish culture: Au Tau Fisheries Office, 27 Milestone, Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long; fishing vessels: Room 825, 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon); or submit applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_erf.html ). Enquiries can be made to 2471 9174 (Pond Fish Culture) or 2150 7099 (Fishing Vessels).
If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the "extreme weather conditions" announcement by the Government is in force during the abovementioned registration period, the registration period will be extended to September 21.
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