HONG KONG, Nov 28 — Hundreds of volunteers are rushing to deliver emergency supplies to victims of Hong Kong's worst fire in nearly 80 years, sorting and distributing items from diapers to hot food and offering free counselling.
Emergency workers searched for survivors and victims today as scores of people are still missing after a fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northern district of Tai Po, killing at least 94.
Volunteers have formed teams to collect donations and supplies, organise transport and the distribution of goods, and staff day and night shifts in the aid effort.
Across from the fire-damaged Wang Fuk complex, volunteers have set up a sprawling support camp for displaced residents beside a shopping mall.
Blue and red marquees went up today as volunteers handed out supplies from scores of cardboard boxes, while hand-drawn maps on cardboard showed directions to pick up items such as toiletries, bedding, clothing, and pet supplies.
"This is real civil participation," said 22-year-old Helena, who was coordinating volunteers, and gave only one name.
At the nearby Tai Po train station, volunteers have set up a resource collection point for donated items such as pillows, socks, water bottles, and rubbish bags.
From there, teams move them to shelters, and a kindergarten was repurposed into an aid and support centre.
"Many volunteers are helping out at the resource stations. That is why we came up with this idea; we are helping them to charge power banks," said Bosco Pang, 40, who works at electric car company BYD.
He set up a charging station for people to charge power banks in the back of his car.
The local media reported that residents of the Asian financial hub have also queued at blood donation centres to help the severely injured.
Corporate, government support
Yesterday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced a HK$300 million (RM159.10 million) support fund for residents of housing complexes, with each household receiving emergency relief of HK$10,000 (RM5,303).
China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said it had coordinated with Guangdong province to quickly send rescue equipment and medical supplies.
Dozens of business groups and charitable foundations have announced donations, including those from property tycoons Li Ka Shing and Lee Shau Kee, and from property companies like Hang Lung and Shangri-la Group.
In a statement, Chinese logistics company SF Express said all its 146 stores would voluntarily collect emergency resources, like shampoo, tissues, and medical supplies, dropped off by residents, and transport them free of charge to help charities and groups.
Several of China’s biggest companies, including automakers Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely, as well as the charity foundation of Alibaba's founder Jack Ma and Tencent also announced donations.
A representative of Central Cove, the family office of Chilean businessman Jean Salata, offered a donation of HK$10 million (RM5.3 million) for trauma and counselling, education assistance for displaced children, and financial relief for families.
Hong Kong Airlines promised HK$10 million in support of fire relief efforts, saying it would provide logistics support and arrange flights to deliver warm supplies and help disaster victims rebuild homes.
"Hong Kong people must be united. I felt I had to help out...as many people as I can," said said Jason Lau, a 25-year old volunteer who was sorting supplies.
