Nearly two weeks after a catastrophic fire engulfed Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court housing complex, Hong Kong authorities continue mobilizing citywide relief efforts while launching a thorough investigation into one of the region's deadliest urban disasters in recent history.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has allocated HK$5 million ($640,000) for emergency education support, relocating students from fire-damaged Tai Po Baptist Public School to two alternative campuses starting mid-December. Classroom assignments will follow grade-level groupings to minimize academic disruption.
Latest police reports confirm 159 fatalities and 31 individuals still unaccounted for, with victims spanning all age groups from 1 to 97 years old. Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau confirmed 79 injured residents received treatment, with 30 remaining hospitalized as of Friday. Six patients remain in serious condition while 24 show stable progress.
Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the government's commitment to long-term psychological support for survivors during a Friday briefing: "Our assistance won't stop at physical recovery. We're deploying social workers and mental health professionals to help residents rebuild their lives." Cross-border assistance from mainland Chinese authorities continues supplementing local relief operations.
Forensic teams and fire safety experts are conducting round-the-clock investigations to determine the blaze's cause, with preliminary findings expected within the coming weeks. The tragedy has sparked renewed public discussions about urban safety standards in high-density residential areas across Asia.
