Macao is to send a medical team, food and other supplies to Sichuan, the southwest province rocked by a massive earthquake on Monday.

This was announced by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Chui Sai On, when he attended a public event this evening. The medical team, organised by the Health Bureau, will depart for Sichuan after co-ordination with the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Macao.

The Government is collecting food, blankets and clothes and will send these to the affected area by air as soon as possible.

Mr Chui urged the public to donate and help the victims rebuild their homes.

He said Macao would liaise with the relevant ministries, the Liaison Office and Macau Red Cross to provide the necessary support to Sichuan.