There will be more manpower and flexibility to process emergency relief fund applications so those in need can get assistance sooner, home affairs secretary Alice Mak said on Saturday.

She made the comment after visiting Fanling – one of the areas hit hard by the torrential downpour on Thursday and Friday. At one point, the temporary shelter in Luen Wo Hui, near Fanling, took in more than 220 people.

The minister said officers would help those in temporary shelters apply for relief funds from the government and other charitable organisations.

"Regardless of whichever relief fund they are applying, we will speed up the handling process," Mak said.

Mak also said about 250 public servants had been deployed to North District under the government-wide mobilisation protocol. They come from seven departments, including the Department of Justice, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and the Department of Health.