Today (April 28) marks the ninth day of residents from the seven fire-affected blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po being allowed to return to their units in batches to retrieve their belongings. The authorities continued to open the upper floors of Wang Tao House and Wang Cheong House for residents to enter.
A DotDotNews reporter observed this morning near the Kwong Fuk Community Hall that many residents were waiting to go upstairs. Some carried hiking backpacks or pulled handcarts, while others brought bouquets of flowers. Upon entering the registration area, residents were led by social workers to queue up. The community hall also set up outdoor chairs for waiting residents to rest.
Mr. Ho was helping a friend retrieve belongings from the 26th floor of Wang Tao House. He said he used to live at Wang Fuk Court himself before moving to Kwong Fuk Estate. "I'm helping a friend collect his things. We've known each other for decades, so I help whenever I can," he said. Their group of seven came together and split into two batches to take turns going upstairs. Given the high floor, the trips were physically demanding, so they focused on taking valuable items and documents. Due to time limits, they might only manage one or two round-trip, so they took as much as they could carry.
Asked about preparations before going up, Mr. Ho said he was not afraid. His friend had already received photos of the inside of the flat, and the damage was not too severe. He had only prepared gloves and basic tools in advance. "There's lighting inside the building, and the Civil Aid Service is there. Actually, we don't need to worry too much," he added.
Ms. Lo, a resident on the 21st floor of Wang Tao House, went upstairs today with her parents and younger brother. She said that she has lived here since she was born. She went upstairs mainly to take away the elderly's belongings and her own childhood keepsakes. She took photos of the things she couldn't take. "I hope to bring back some good-looking children when I leave, and I hope the house will be intact."
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