HONG KONG, April 4 — Hong Kong authorities today announced a sharp increase in financial aid for victims of the devastating Kwong Fuk Estate fire in Tai Po, where the death toll has tragically reached 159, including one dedicated firefighter. The city is mobilizing extensive resources for the nearly 3,000 residents displaced by the mammoth blaze, addressing both immediate needs and complex long-term housing challenges.
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak toured “Kai Hong 1331,” a youth hostel in Kai Tak temporarily housing victims, to unveil enhanced support measures. The government has doubled the maximum household living allowance from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000 per affected family, citing colder weather conditions and urgent needs for winter clothing.
Financial Lifeline Expanded for Thousands
Ms. Mak confirmed that the Social Welfare Department has implemented a “one social worker per household” scheme to meticulously assess the diverse needs of affected residents. Over 300 households have already received the initial HK$50,000 payout, with the remaining half scheduled for immediate disbursement.
The government also committed to waiving several key financial burdens for the victims during the 2024/25 fiscal year. These reliefs include exemptions from salaries tax, water and sewage charges, electricity bills, and the payment of government rent and rates.
The “Tai Po Kwong Fuk Estate Aid Fund” has rapidly grown, accumulating a total of HK$2.8 billion. This figure comprises HK$2.5 billion raised through public and corporate donations, augmented by a HK$300 million seed fund from the government.
Key disbursements from the aid fund include:
- Emergency Cash: HK$10,000 distributed to 1,929 households.
- Death Compensation: Families of the deceased are receiving HK$200,000 in consolation money and HK$50,000 for funeral expenses, with 67 cases already processed.
- Injury Subsidy: Victims hospitalized for less than seven days receive HK$50,000, while those with longer stays are granted HK$100,000.
- Education and Employment Support: Students from kindergarten through university who lived in the estate are eligible for a HK$20,000 subsidy. Similarly, security guards, workers, and foreign domestic helpers employed within the estate receive HK$20,000.
Housing Crisis and Long-Term Solutions
The unprecedented scale of the disaster has forced authorities to coordinate a massive temporary housing effort. As of yesterday morning, 1,152 residents were housed in youth hostels, camps, or hotels coordinated by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau. A further 1,765 residents were relocated to temporary transitional housing or units provided by the Hong Kong Housing Society. Shuttle bus services are being arranged between designated emergency accommodations, such as the Kai Tak hostel, and the Tai Po district to assist residents.
Addressing the anxiety surrounding the future, Ms. Mak assured residents that the government is fully committed to a permanent resolution. The Chief Executive has instructed a high-level task force, led by the Deputy Financial Secretary, to study long-term housing arrangements for the displaced, recognizing that many units represent the victims’ most significant family assets.
“We understand the complexity of the situation and want residents to be patient,” Ms. Mak stressed, affirming a sustained commitment to supporting the community without charging for relocation or advisory services.
During her briefing, the Secretary grew visibly emotional while highlighting the resilience and selflessness of the affected residents. She recounted social workers’ reports of victims declining personal assistance and instead urging officials to direct resources toward others more urgently in need—a powerful example of the city’s communal spirit.
Authorities also issued a stern warning regarding opportunistic fraud, confirming that the official ‘Tai Po Kwong Fuk Estate Aid Fund’ has not used any QR codes for donations, emphasizing that any such solicitation is fraudulent. Donors are advised to keep bank deposit records to ensure they receive an official receipt.
As search operations transition fully into recovery and long-term support, 31 individuals remain officially missing, adding to the somber finality of one of Hong Kong’s most devastating residential fires. Temporary shelters remain open, though officials expect the immediate emergency accommodation phase to conclude once all residents are transitioned into more stable transitional housing.
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