The government is providing support for residents affected by the No. 5 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Since November 27, the government has been providing emergency cash assistance of HK$10,000 to each affected household. Additionally, families of each victim will receive HK$200,000 in condolence payments, and starting this week, HK$50,000 will be distributed as a living allowance to each affected family.
Clarence Leung, Deputy Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, stated today (December 1) in a radio program that, as of last night, over 1,900 applications for the HK$10,000 emergency funds had been received, and HK$1,760 households had already been distributed the funds, with the overall process running smoothly. The HK$50,000 living allowance arrangement will be announced soon, and the most convenient method will be through "one social worker per household" to assist residents in filling out applications and receiving the funds.
Leung also mentioned that as of last night, approximately 2,100 residents had moved into youth hostels, hotels, and transitional housing. Authorities have located about 2,000 transitional housing or Housing Society units, and there are around 1,000 units in youth hostels and hotels. The two remaining temporary shelter centers currently have about 40 residents, and information will be provided to them for relocation to more suitable emergency accommodations.
Regarding whether tenants and property owners can apply multiple times, Leung stated that the current goal is to assist residents who were affected at the time of the fire and are significantly impacted in their living conditions. If there are any duplicate cases, they will be followed up individually, but there are currently not many such cases. He also mentioned that no reports of fraud by fake volunteers have been received, and the Home Affairs Department and social workers will remind residents to be cautious of scams and fraudulent activities during this period.
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