The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) says about 300 residential mortgage loans are related to fire ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

The outstanding loans amount to about HK$540 million in total, the authority added.

It said local lenders have provided six-month principal and interest repayment moratoriums to alleviate the immediate financial burdens faced by residents who hold these loans.

It also noted that the handling of such mortgages involves complex issues, such as legal matters, insurance compensation and arrangements for restoration or reconstruction of the buildings, and so the repayment moratorium will allow residents affected and relevant institutions time to address these issues.

HKMA stressed that it will continue to discuss follow-up arrangements with the banking industry to handle each of these mortgages with "compassion and flexibility".