HONG KONG, December 6 — One week after a devastating level-five fire ravaged Tai Po’s Hong Fuk Court public housing estate, the Hong Kong government announced a significant increase in financial support for affected residents, elevating the dedicated relief fund to approximately HK$3.3 billion. The massive influx of capital, driven by substantial public donations, is earmarked for long-term recovery and housing reconstruction efforts, officials confirmed today as emergency housing and comprehensive social services continue to be deployed across the district.
The Tai Po Hong Fuk Court Assistance Fund now totals roughly HK$3.3 billion, comprising the government’s initial HK$300 million seed funding combined with an estimated HK$3 billion received from external donors as of 4 p.m. today. The rapid mobilization reflects the severe impact of the blaze, which displaced thousands and necessitated an expansive response effort coordinating multiple government agencies and social services.
Financial Support and Claims Processing Accelerate
The government has expedited the processing of direct financial aid for families affected by the disaster. The maximum living allowance provided to each affected household has been doubled from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000. As of today, authorities have approved 1,125 claims for this crucial living subsidy, with payments being progressively disbursed.
In recognition of lives lost, the fund is also providing immediate support to the bereaved. Families of the deceased are entitled to a HK$200,000 condolence payment and a HK$50,000 burial allowance per fatality. To date, 85 such compassion payments have been processed. Furthermore, 1,931 households have already received a HK$10,000 emergency assistance payment to cover immediate needs.
Immediate and Medium-Term Housing Solutions
The housing crisis precipitated by the fire is being addressed through coordinated emergency shelter and transitional accommodation. As of this morning, 1,403 residents have been placed in short-term lodging, including youth hostels, temporary camps, and hotel rooms facilitated by the Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau.
For residents requiring longer-term solutions, 2,599 individuals have been housed in transitional units provided by the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Society.
While most residents are being relocated, two temporary shelters remain operational: one at the Tai Po Community Centre acting as an open standby resource, and another at the Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, which will continue to operate until all occupants have been successfully moved into dedicated emergency housing.
Social Services and Structural Integrity Checks
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) is spearheading a massive outreach campaign, with social workers having made contact with over 1,970 affected households. This effort has registered nearly 4,900 residents for the “One Household, One Social Worker” follow-up service, ensuring personalized and sustained support. Residents who have not yet connected with the SWD are urged to call 182183 immediately to register for aid.
Simultaneously, the Housing Bureau’s Independent Monitoring Unit is conducting rigorous structural safety assessments on the damaged buildings. Concrete core samples are being collected from four affected towers to determine structural integrity and long-term viability.
Enforcement of Scaffolding Removal Deadline
In a related safety measure following the fire, the Development Bureau reaffirmed an emergency directive requiring the temporary suspension of external wall maintenance work and the immediate removal of protective netting and scaffolding from building exteriors.
As of 3 p.m. today, 175 of the approximately 200 affected private buildings had complied with the order to remove wall scaffolding. Removal continues on the remaining 52 structures, with work expected to conclude within the next two days. The Buildings Department granted extension requests to three projects involving three buildings, contingent on contractors finalizing removal by next week.
The Buildings Department also issued a fresh reminder via text message today to all registered contractors, emphasizing the critical need to ensure scaffolding is free of debris or loose materials and remains structurally stable prior to and following the removal of any protective coverings, reinforcing the commitment to public safety across all ongoing construction sites.
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