Shelters and volunteers assist displaced families amid citywide rescue efforts
Massive community support has poured in to assist thousands of residents affected by the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district on Wednesday, joining the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s full-scale relief efforts.
The blaze, which started around 2:51 pm, had caused 36 deaths as of midnight, with 279 people reported missing. Twenty-nine individuals remain hospitalized, seven of whom were in critical condition.
Thousands of residents were evacuated from their homes and had sought refuge at several temporary shelters across the district.
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After inspecting the Tai Po Community Centre on Wednesday night, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the Tai Po District Office had set up eight temporary shelters, which accommodated about 900 people by 9:30 pm. These facilities include community halls, secondary schools, and sports centers.
Residents from nearby neighborhoods quickly mobilized, delivering drinking water, food, and daily necessities to the affected area. Volunteers told China Daily reporters that local individuals and civic groups offered help on their own initiative.
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon and was largely brought under control as of 2 am, prompted extensive rescue and relief operations involving emergency services and community organizations.
A 60-year-old man, who goes by the surname Wan, was among the care team members working at the Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, one of the temporary shelters. As a member of the nearby Sha Tin care team, Wan was called to help and arrived around 8 pm, responsible for handing out food, water and supplies such as blankets.
“When disaster strikes, help comes from all sides. … Some people are very anxious because they cannot find their family members, so we are helping to ask around and gather relevant information. We will continue to follow up on the search for missing persons tomorrow,” Wan told China Daily.
About 200 people were taking shelter at the community hall, he said, adding that the situation remained orderly.
A procedure for registering missing people has also started.
Interdepartmental help desks have been set up at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital to provide assistance and address public inquiries. District Offices said they will monitor the situation closely and open additional temporary shelters as needed, and collaborate with other government departments to offer residents appropriate help.
Community aid efforts are also underway. An eatery in Tai Po delivered 200 boxed meals to the shelters, while home goods stores were offering free bedding to displaced residents.
Additionally, over 10 hotels have confirmed their readiness to accommodate affected residents and are offering their full support.
Residents are offering a range of support through platforms like Facebook, covering temporary pet accommodation and medical services, portable power sources, and more.
The Hong Kong Red Cross has deployed emergency service teams, first aid squads, volunteers, and psychologists to shelters and help desks to provide material support, emergency services, and psychological counseling.
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The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong, a local suicide prevention organization, has set up a dedicated hotline at 2353 0029 to offer emotional support services. The organization encourages residents experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, unease, or other emotional challenges to seek help.
The Transport Department reported road closures on Tolo Highway, Tai Po Road, and Kwong Wang Street. Around 40 bus routes that use these roads face disruptions. The public is advised to stay updated on the latest traffic updates to plan their travel on Thursday morning.
Atlas Shao and Lu Wanqing contributed to this story.
Contact writers at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
