Residents displaced by Hong Kong’s worst fire in seven decades have been left exhausted and anxious, fearing another sleepless night and uncertain about where they can shelter.
A 76-year-old retiree, Chow, who lives in the Kwong Fuk public housing estate in Tai Po, spent all of Thursday sitting in the open area near Wang Fuk Court – the scene of the fire – after being evacuated from her home the previous day.
“My back hurts from sitting too long on the hard flower bed edge. I did not sleep at all last night in the restaurant,” Chow said.
“I feel very tired and worry I might fall ill from it. I think two nights are the maximum that I can go through.”
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has reserved 1,000 flats at youth hostels and hotels where affected residents can stay for one to two weeks. They will then be moved to 1,800 subsidised flats set aside for them temporarily.
About 500 residents were staying at nine temporary shelters in Tai Po, the government said on Thursday.
