HONG KONG — Government officials in Hong Kong are moving to streamline the massive relief effort following the devastating level five fire in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court residential complex, which resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Recognizing the initial deluge of spontaneous community aid, authorities are now establishing centralized digital platforms and deploying dedicated social workers to ensure survivors receive organized, long-term support.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak announced on Thursday that the government is partnering with the information technology sector to quickly launch an online registration system for individuals and organizations wishing to donate supplies. This move aims to pivot from the immediate, often chaotic, stockpiling of goods at temporary shelters toward a managed reserve that can assist residents as they transition to permanent housing.
“While the outpouring of immediate support has been deeply moving, current temporary shelters have sufficient provisions,” Mak said. “We anticipate the greater need will come later when residents require new furnishings and household items to rebuild their lives.” She urged potential donors to register their willingness to help via a WhatsApp hotline (9213-2388) so the government can accurately match resources to evolving needs. The platform is expected to be operational within days.
Financial and Housing Support Mobilized
In recognition of the survivors who fled with virtually nothing, the government has begun immediate financial disbursements. Mak confirmed that officials are providing HK$10,000 cash to every affected household as an urgent relief measure. To date, 1,200 applications have been received, with 336 households already collecting the funds. Delivery services are being arranged for those staying with relatives or in self-arranged accommodations.
Further critical support includes a HK$50,000 living allowance per household, which social workers are processing rapidly for quick dispersal. Families who lost loved ones are eligible for a HK$200,000 compassionate payment.
The city has also successfully coordinated over 1,000 housing units made available free of charge to temporarily house the displaced. Currently, more than 300 households have been placed in hotels or youth hostels, with over 600 individuals moved into transitional housing or supported accommodation.
Billion-Dollar Relief Fund Established
The government has also capitalized on public generosity, establishing the “Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Relief Fund.” Mak detailed that the fund has already amassed HK$1 billion, comprising HK$700 million in public donations and an initial HK$300 million injection from the government. This substantial fund is earmarked to cover both the short-term emergency cash needs and the longer-term household reconstruction requirements of the victims.
Mak stressed the importance of streamlining the aid process, noting that previously, victims were forced to “queue in multiple lines” across various locations to collect assistance from different agencies, leading to unnecessary difficulty and confusion. She called on all charitable groups to coordinate their efforts directly through the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
Dedicated Social Workers Lead Long-Term Recovery
The crucial element of the long-term recovery strategy is the “One Household, One Social Worker” approach, initiated by the SWD. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun reported that over 1,100 affected residents have been registered, each pairing them with a dedicated social worker.
This personalized approach aims to simplify the coordination of aid, financial applications, and eventual resettlement. “The core mission of ‘One Household, One Social Worker’ is to ensure survivors do not have to frantically search for assistance,” Sun explained. Specialized support, including psychological counseling, is being provided by social workers and other professionals to families experiencing profound loss.
In a collaborative effort, major charitable organizations, including Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the HKSKH Welfare Council, are assisting grieving families at the Fu Shan Public Mortuary. The government and partner agencies are also offering free funeral arrangements and comprehensive bereavement counseling to lessen the burden on families. Residents who have not yet registered for support are urged to contact the SWD hotline at 182183 immediately.
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