Editorial | Hong Kong must stay united on long road to recovery from Tai Po fire tragedy
In addition to comforting individuals and rebuilding homes, the city will need to come together to overcome the collective trauma it has faced
The blaze, which started on Wednesday, continued to attract attention worldwide as more bodies were pulled from the charred blocks of Wang Fuk Court. Joining the dozens of local consulates and international bodies in expressing their condolences were Pope Leo and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A sweeping search of the 2,000-odd flats was under way as the authorities updated the toll of the city’s most devastating accident in decades. No fewer than 128 people have died, including a firefighter, and 79 have been reported injured so far. Initial investigations showed the green mesh used in renovation work was fire retardant, but the styrofoam employed was highly flammable, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office has expressed full confidence the city will overcome its difficulties and move forward with the central government’s support and care, the local administration’s effective handling and the collective efforts of society. The office has dispatched a high-level team to help with relief work here, a move that Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu described as a reflection of President Xi Jinping’s care and concern for the city.
“The care and support from the central government gives people strong encouragement and abundant confidence in disaster relief and recovery efforts,” the office said in a commentary on its website. The rescue, relief and medical supplies sought by the Hong Kong government had been delivered, it added.