The government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) deployed a Government Flying Service (GFS) Super Puma helicopter to the earthquake-devastated area in southwest China's Sichuan Province Friday to provide assistance in the rescue and quarantine work.

The helicopter left for Sichuan Friday, supported by a Jetstream-41 fixed-wing aircraft which left for Sichuan on the same day, carrying equipment and materials necessary for the operation.

Before the departure of the helicopter, the Permanent Secretary for Security of HKSAR government, Chang King-yiu, encouraged the crew to do their best in the mission.

Upon arrival at Sichuan, the helicopter will be taken over by the GFS officers already deployed there to assist in the rescue and quarantine work. The crew delivering the Super Puma helicopter and the Jetstream aircraft crew will return to Hong Kong on the Jetstream aircraft on the same day, while an additional aircraft engineer will join the team already deployed at Sichuan.

Hong Kong had offered a record amount of resources in the aftermath of the earthquake that occurred in Sichuan on May 12. The HKSAR government dispatched rescue teams comprising of fire fighters, medical staffs and flying service staff to provide assistance in the rescue and relief efforts in Chinese mainland's quake-hit area.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2008)