HONG KONG, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- "Volunteers gave me clothes and an extra mattress because my knees are not in good shape. There is also a blanket. They are really thoughtful," said a 72-year-old resident surnamed Law, who was relocated to a temporary shelter after a major fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po District shattered the community's tranquility.
After the No. 5 alarm fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon, the government, the rescue forces and people from all walks of life rallied to launch effort that upheld the dignity of those affected and showcased community's resilience.
SHELTER CENTERS AS SAFE HARBORS
After the fire, temporary shelters were immediately opened in Tai Po, including Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, Tai Po Community Center, CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, and more.
At 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, the temporary shelter in the secondary school was crowded but orderly. At the entrance, government service counters are arranged according to the urgency of needs and foot traffic: "Reporting Safety," "Medical Support," "Missing Persons Registration," and "Food Supply." Seating areas with power strips were set up for residents to rest and charge their devices.
Outside the venue, power banks, bottled water, diapers, and common medicines were sorted and distributed by care team members and volunteers to meet on-site needs.
"We all stayed here overnight," said Miss Lee, a Wang Fuk Court resident. "It was a bit cold, but quilts were available, and there was plenty of food -- fruit, milk, hot congee. Staff from the Home Affairs Department were on duty at the entrance, so we could raise any issue right away."
CITY'S "EVERYDAY HEROES"
In the face of the disaster, citizens have engaged in acts of kindness that like small streams converging into a vast ocean.
A resident of Tai Wai, Sha Tin District, surnamed Li told Xinhua that she felt heartbroken at the news of the fire. Since Tai Po is only four MTR stations away from her home, she packed some clothing on Wednesday night and headed to the scene of the fire.
While taking the elevator downstairs, she ran into two neighbors who were also on their way to donate supplies. Inside the MTR carriage, people were carrying large bags and boxes, all heading to Tai Po Market Station, the closest stop to the disaster site, with a shared purpose.
"Hong Kong really is a warmhearted city," she said.
Ms. Shen, who lives in Tai Hang, Wan Chai District, told Xinhua that SF Express' delivery person offered free delivery upon hearing that their packages were for fire victims. She remarked how deeply she was moved by the spontaneous solidarity shown by the people of Hong Kong, hoping this warmth and mutual support would help survivors through their ordeal.
Another resident surnamed Lam showed Xinhua a group chat on her phone, where lists were sent to detail various needs at the disaster site. The group admin -- who also runs a restaurant in Tai Po -- kept the donation requests updated based on firsthand information.
A local father of a 6-year-old boy surnamed Leung decided to donate blood when he and his son witnessed the still-burning buildings and scores of fire engines and ambulances on their way to school the next day.
"Not everyone can be a firefighter, a medical professional, or a police officer -- the city's 'big heroes.' But we can all be the city's 'everyday heroes,' helping people in need within our abilities," he said.
At the blood donation center, Leung said he met people from Europe, India, Muslim communities, and other backgrounds coming to give blood.
"Hong Kong is such an inclusive city. People of different ethnicities, all living here, are willing to lend a helping hand in times of crisis," he said.
CARING FOR THE VULNERABLE
Vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, have received meticulous care during the ongoing rescue. At CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, Xinhua reporters met a couple in their 80s from Kwong Yau House in Kwong Fuk Estate, just a street away from the fire-hit public housing block.
The pair had stayed at the shelter since Wednesday afternoon. "Supplies are ample, and lots of young volunteers are helping," they said, as a volunteer stepped forward to offer them a rest upstairs.
On-site support also caters to psychological needs. A quiet counseling booth was set up at the far end of the venue, away from the main entrance for privacy.
At mealtimes, some volunteers used loudspeakers to remind residents to collect their meals, while others carried food containers to distribute meals in the seating areas, ensuring that elderly residents with mobility or hearing impairments could promptly receive hot food. The food supply area was stocked with fruits, biscuits, eggs, pickles, bottled water, and hot water.
Members of care teams wearing jackets of different colors were busy moving around at the scene, constantly approaching residents to ask about their needs.
Government departments, social welfare organizations, volunteer groups, and ordinary citizens -- together they form a strong line of relief in times of crisis. Their compassion and cooperation stand as a testament to the resilience and unity that define the community. ■
