UKHRUL, NOV 27: Death toll rises to 67 with 200+ people still missing in the fire that engulfed Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court, sources stated.
Since seven buildings in the complex caught fire, with each building having 32 floors and about 9 flats in each floor, hundreds are now displaced in schools and sports centers.
In 2021, when the city’s most recent census took place, the complex was home to 4,643 people of which roughly 36% were 65 or older. The city’s hospital authority also reported around 50 of its staff members homeless.
Debates on Hong Kong’s centurties-old use of bamboo scaffolding are circulating. Although the method is cost effective, construction experts questioned the use of such flammable material in building projects.
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John Lee, the city’s leader stated that the government will inspect all bamboo scaffolding in the city and officials will meet to discuss to metal scaffolding.
According to Lee, each household affected will receive 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (aprox $1,200) in relief funds from the government. Hong kong is also establishing an assistance fund for the housing estate, worth 300 million Hong Kong dollars ($38.5 million)
Disclaimer: All information in this article is drawn from publicly available sources and/or insights provided by the experts consulted.