One month has passed since the outbreak of the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and all Hong Kong residents, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu extended sincere thanks to the mainland of China and the rest of the world for their condolences, care and assistance, as well as to all sectors of Hong Kong society for their generous donations and active participation in post-disaster support efforts.
Mr. Lee stated that while fires show no mercy, warmth abounds in the world. Such care transcending geographical boundaries embodies the unity and spirit of selfless mutual assistance, which is reflected in the belief that when one place is in distress, support comes from all directions. The authorities will continue to face challenges with perseverance and compassion, turn grief into strength, and assist those affected in resuming their normal lives as soon as possible.
Mr. Lee also thanked all sectors of Hong Kong society for their generous donations and active involvement in post-disaster support across various areas, including accommodation, medical care, mental health, finance and transportation. Their contributions of vital supplies and support have played a crucial role in post-disaster reconstruction and social recovery.
Shortly after the fire broke out, many charitable organizations and foundations promptly allocated funds to assist the residents. The Government also set up the Wang Fuk Court (Tai Po) Assistance Fund. To date, the Fund has received approximately HK$3.8 billion in donations. Together with the Government’s HK$300 million seed funding, the total amount of the Fund has reached around HK$4.1 billion. It provides a wide range of emergency financial support to all affected parties, including all households, families of the deceased, injured persons receiving treatment in hospitals, students, foreign domestic helpers, workers, property owners and tenants.
In addition, numerous residents and organizations volunteered to donate daily necessities to address the urgent needs of the affected residents. To facilitate this, the Government and the information technology sector jointly established an online platform for material donations. After relevant policy bureaux, departments and service organizations identified the actual needs of the residents, they immediately distributed supplies such as food, drinks, clothing, daily necessities, bedding and electrical appliances to meet their daily living requirements.
The HKSAR Government expressed its gratitude to the governments of all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the mainland, overseas governments, diplomatic missions, international organizations, consulates general in Hong Kong, honorary consulates and officially authorized institutions for their condolences and support to those affected by the fire. It also thanked all sectors of Hong Kong society for their enthusiastic engagement in post-disaster assistance and generous donations.
The HKSAR Government stated that it will continue to rally the efforts of all sectors, lead community recovery and drive reforms with unwavering determination and concrete actions, so as to jointly build a safer and better Hong Kong.
