Hong Kong will support the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in setting up an international network and coordinating a disaster alarm system, Hong Kong's Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang said here Thursday.

Speaking at the Legislative Council motion debate on the South Asia tsunami, Tsang said as it is an unprecedented disaster, and given the constraints caused by the chaotic information flow afterthe incident, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has tried its best to respond speedily.

Tsang said staff have worked around-the-clock to offer assistance. He said the government has speedily reacted in every aspect, including the release of information in a systematic way and liaison with affected countries and international non-governmental bodies.

"Compared with other countries, the government's support team was one of the earliest arriving in Thailand. The size of our teamwas also comparable with those from other countries," Tsang said.

Tsang said the Disaster Relief Fund has granted more than 17 million HK dollars (2.18 million US dollars) to a number of international relief organizations. The Financial Secretary approved an additional 10 million HK dollars (1.28 million US dollars) to top up the Disaster Relief Fund on Dec. 31, bringing its balance to 43 million HK dollars (5.51 million US dollars). Ifnecessary, the government will ask the Finance Committee for additional funding.