Premier Wen Jiabao expressed gratitude yesterday to Hongkongers who have donated more than HK$600 million for the quake victims in Sichuan province .
Mr Wen said during his visit to Qushan county - one of the worst-hit areas in the province - the natural disaster showed the strength of the bond between Hongkongers and their countrymen on the mainland.
"We are thankful for [Hong Kong compatriots'] support and help," he said, stressing that the natural disaster would be overcome with the concerted efforts of the government and the people.
The money came from the government, businesses, various groups and individuals, who have not hesitated to make donations.
Ip Kwok-him, vice-chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said the city had displayed unprecedented initiative in making contributions at fund-raising spots set up by the party on the streets.
"People just came over as they saw our banner and put hundreds or even thousands of dollars into our donation boxes," Mr Ip said. "We've never seen that before."
He said that they received as much as HK$70,000 in three hours at Causeway Bay on Tuesday.
The Legislative Council approved the government's application for injecting HK$350 million into the city's Disaster Relief Fund for earthquake aid. HK$300 million will go to the mainland's Disaster Relief Headquarters for relief and rehabilitation work, and the remaining HK$50 million to relief groups.
The Hospital Authority announced that an initial assessment team - to be led by Liu Shao-haei, chief manager for infection, emergency and contingency - would depart for Chengdu today ahead of a volunteer medical team.
By 6pm yesterday, the Red Cross said it had received HK$55 million in donations, including 10 million yuan (HK$11.17 million) from HSBC, HK$3 million from the Liberal Party and HK$2 million from Hang Seng Bank.
Big donors included the Federation of Fujian Associations, Nomura Holdings, Hutchison Whampoa's managing director Canning Fok Kin-ning and Sun Hung Kai Properties, which gave HK$5 million. Developer Chinese Estates Group gave HK$5 million and airlines Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair HK$2 million.
Trade facilitation group Global Sources and its team members will donate up to 1 million yuan. Team members offered to volunteer, and the company is exploring ways to help communities rebuild hospitals and schools.
The Immigration Department said it had had 90 requests for help and 333 inquiries since the earthquake. Sixty-four people had been able to reach relatives in Sichuan.
More than 100 of the Hong Kong tourists stranded there flew home. The rest should be back by tomorrow.
Charities helping the victims, with their phone numbers and bank account numbers
Bank of China 012-806-0000-1617
Bank of East Asia 514-40399-663
Bank of China 012-874-001-05157
Bank of China 012-883-0002-6662
Hang Seng 286-364-385-003
Bank of China 012-878-1-061887-6
Bank of China 012-875-1081-0855
氣溫 27 C 濕度 88 % 
