Authorities have announced expanded support for the households most severely affected by the fire in Tai Po, as more residents of Wang Fuk Court’s seven damaged blocks return to their units to retrieve personal belongings.

The operation entered its 10th day on Wednesday, marking the start of the third phase.

During this round, five floors of Wang Tai House and 10 floors of Wang Kin House will be opened.

Residents of these two blocks have until May 1 to collect their belongings, after which the remaining residents of Wang Tai House, along with those in Wang Shing House, will have their turn from May 2 to 4.

Speaking to reporters in Tai Po, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk noted that the situation in Wang Tai House and Wang Cheong House is particularly severe, given the higher number of fatalities from last November’s blaze.

As a result, he said special support measures have been put in place for residents of these blocks.

"For units where fatalities occurred, each household will be accompanied throughout the entire process by a clinical psychologist and a social worker from the Social Welfare Department (SWD)," he said.

"If individual households require additional support, the SWD will deploy more clinical psychologists or social workers. In addition, the number of accompanying police officers will be increased to two."

Cheuk added that the Civil Aid Service will be present on the main floors, while dedicated teams of social workers, clinical psychologists and mobilised civil servants will provide support on the upper floors as needed.

He also noted that after discussions with many residents, a clear desire has emerged for another opportunity to revisit their flats.

"Their wishes are very clear. After the first round for Blocks A to G is completed, residents of Wang Chi House will be scheduled to go upstairs in batches from May 13 to 17," he said.

"Then, once the current round of belongings collection for Blocks A to G concludes on May 4, we will announce as soon as possible the specific arrangements for allowing residents of these seven blocks to go upstairs again."


Edited by Thomas McAlinden