The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has significantly enhanced its support measures for families devastated by the recent Tai Po district fire, announcing a substantial increase in financial assistance. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen confirmed on Thursday that the living allowance for affected households has been doubled from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000 (approximately US$12,848) per family.
This enhanced relief effort comes as part of a comprehensive government response that has already provided immediate emergency subsidies of HK$10,000 to each of the 1,929 impacted families. Social Welfare Department personnel have established contact with over 1,700 households, delivering crucial emotional support while coordinating essential supplies and practical daily assistance.
The housing situation for displaced residents has seen substantial progress, with 1,241 individuals currently accommodated in hostels or hotels as of Thursday morning. An additional 2,235 residents have successfully transitioned into transitional housing or Housing Society units, providing more stable medium-term solutions.
Financial support for recovery efforts has been bolstered by considerable community generosity. The specially established ‘Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po’ has received external donations totaling HK$2.5 billion, supplemented by HK$300 million in seed funding from the HKSAR government. This creates a substantial recovery fund of approximately HK$2.8 billion dedicated to helping residents rebuild their homes and lives.
Complementing government efforts, the Education University of Hong Kong has activated its emergency response mechanism to support affected students and community members. The institution has opened indoor sports facilities and campus amenities while recruiting retired teachers, psychologists, and specialists to provide temporary learning spaces and emotional support services for families navigating the aftermath of the tragedy.