The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has unveiled substantial financial support measures for homeowners affected by the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po district. Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing confirmed on Wednesday that each qualifying household will receive a one-time subsidy of HK$100,000 (approximately $12,851) to address urgent financial needs arising from the tragedy.
The financial assistance program comes as the dedicated Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court reaches HK$3.4 billion, combining both government allocation and substantial public donations. According to official figures, the fund has received an extraordinary HK$3.1 billion in public contributions since its establishment on November 27, supplemented by an initial government injection of HK$300 million.
Mr. Cheuk emphasized that the subsidy addresses multiple financial pressures facing homeowners, including lost rental income, previous renovation investments, and current cash flow challenges. The distribution mechanism will proportionally allocate funds among multiple owners where applicable.
The fundraising effort has demonstrated remarkable community solidarity, with over 263,000 individual donations recorded. Notably, 170 significant contributions of HK$5 million or more account for approximately half of the total public donations received. The Inland Revenue Department has implemented special arrangements to facilitate tax deductions for donors contributing HK$50,000 or less.
Beyond homeowner support, the comprehensive assistance package includes HK$200,000 solidarity payments to families of deceased victims, HK$50,000 for funeral expenses, and injury compensation ranging from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000. Additional support has been extended to foreign domestic helpers, students, and workers affected by the fire.
The November 26 blaze, which claimed 160 lives and damaged seven of eight residential blocks, represents one of Hong Kong’s most severe residential fire disasters in recent history. With six individuals still unaccounted for, all injured survivors have reportedly stabilized medically. The government will begin processing donation receipts from next week, ensuring transparent fund allocation for long-term recovery efforts.