Letters | Hong Kong will emerge stronger from Tai Po fire tragedy
Readers offer condolences to the bereaved, call for prompt action to improve fire safety measures and pay tribute to the inspiring outpouring of help from all quarters of the community
In recent days, stories, videos and images of the bereaved wailing in agony and shattered families have flooded social media. The reactions to the blaze raise an interesting question: while it is essential that we stay up to date, is being fully immersed in the coverage of the tragedy beneficial? Some of these somewhat sensationalist stories risk jeopardising the mental health of Hong Kong people.
And as the saying goes, we emerge sadder and wiser from every tragedy. Hong Kong is in dire need of improving fire safety with multiple blazes and the Tai Po tragedy. While the cause of the blaze is still under investigation, abandoning bamboo scaffolding in favour of steel ones, increasing surprise inspections of construction sites to combat violations of safety regulations such as smoking or using polystyrene boards to cover windows are all promising solutions worth considering and implementing as soon as possible.
As for long-term education on the importance of fire safety, mandatory fire drills in strict adherence to guidelines from the Fire Services Department at all buildings could be an effective solution.