The confirmed deaths of a Taiwanese woman and two Hong Kong citizens bring the total number of Chinese dead in the Asian tsunami disaster to 12, according to the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.

They include three from the mainland, three from Taiwan, and six from Hong Kong.

Two other Hong Kong residents -- a French infant and 42-year-old Markus Knoesel, a German biology teacher at Hong Kong's German Swiss International School -- were confirmed dead Monday.

Embassy officials from Thailand also said Monday that 15 mainlanders visiting Thailand remained missing. The number of Hong Kong travelers officially classified as missing has increased by 14, bringing the total number of Chinese unaccounted for in the affected countries to 74 amid fears that there may be more.

Hong Kong's Deputy Secretary for Security Michael Wong said Monday that the number of people reported missing had risen but it was not clear by how many, as information was incomplete and immigration departments and police officers were still gathering more details about those reported missing by their families.

Wong said police had started collecting DNA samples from relatives so the Thai government can establish a DNA database. The DNA samples will be sent to Thailand to help in the identification process.

While the nation prepares to send more professionals and aid materials for rescue and relief, people from all walks of life across the country have continued to open their wallets and their hearts to the victims.

Minister of Defense Cao Gangchuan told his counterparts from the affected countries via phone that his ministry will offer donations for relief and rebuilding.

(China Daily January 4, 2005)