The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has significantly escalated its financial support for victims of the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire, announcing a 100% increase in living allowances from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000 per household. The decision, disclosed by Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen during her inspection of temporary housing facilities in Kai Tak, responds to urgent needs for warmer clothing and essentials during cold weather conditions.
The November 26 tragedy, which resulted in 159 fatalities including one firefighter and 31 missing persons, has displaced approximately 2,000 households currently accommodated in hotels, youth hostels, and transitional housing. According to official statistics, 674 households have registered for the enhanced financial assistance, with 326 households that previously received HK$50,000 scheduled to obtain the balance shortly.
Financial support mechanisms have expanded substantially, with the government-established relief fund reaching HK$2.8 billion, including an initial government allocation of HK$300 million. The fund has processed over 300 cases for living allowances and 52 cases providing HK$200,000 condolence payments plus HK$50,000 funeral support for families of deceased victims.
Authorities have implemented comprehensive support measures including free shuttle services between temporary housing and Tai Po, waivers or deferrals for 2024-25 tax obligations, and suspended utility charges for water, sewage, electricity, and gas from July through November. A dedicated task force led by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun is developing permanent resettlement strategies, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasizing the government’s commitment to long-term support.
The online donation platform has registered over 1,300 contributions from organizations (30%) and individual residents, with resource matching already underway. Mak issued stern warnings against fraudulent donation QR codes circulating online, clarifying that the official relief fund has never established such collection methods. Tax deduction receipts for legitimate donations will be issued next week, with donors advised to retain bank records for verification.
In related developments, police reported recovering additional surviving animals from the affected buildings, including two cats, four turtles, one lizard, and more than 80 pet fish during ongoing search operations.