Toronto resident Paul Chow experienced a wave of emotions after a devastating fire ripped through seven highrise towers in Hong Kong, claiming over 100 lives and leaving hundreds more missing. The tragic events unfolded at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po district, marking the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades. Chow, who lived in the complex for over 30 years, was deeply affected, expressing feelings of worry, sadness, distress, and anger as he witnessed his childhood home engulfed in flames.
The fire occurred on Wednesday, and it quickly spread due to the construction materials used in renovations. Foam panels and bamboo scaffolding covered by green mesh netting were identified as contributing factors to the rapid advance of the flames. Firefighters took about 40 hours to fully extinguish the fire, which was a shocking event for residents and former tenants alike.
As a former councillor of Tai Po District in Hong Kong, Chow felt an acute sense of urgency when he learned about the fire. His parents, who live on the seventh floor of one of the affected buildings, were fortunately away on vacation, and his sister was at work when the disaster struck. However, the family remains anxious as they have yet to assess the condition of their apartment, which had been undergoing renovation that cost them over 100,000 Hong Kong dollars (around C$17,952).
Chow's emotional turmoil deepened as he considered the losses endured by his former neighbors, many of whom were elderly residents lacking adequate support. He expressed frustration at the incident, stating it should never have happened in a modern society like Hong Kong. He noted that this human-caused disaster could have been prevented and is calling for accountability from those responsible.
Meanwhile, Lina Chiu, a Richmond, B.C. resident originally from Hong Kong, reflected on her own anxiety as she attempted to connect with friends who lived in Wang Fuk Court. After a frantic search, she learned that they were safe but had lost all their possessions in the fire. Chiu recounted how her friends were able to grab only essential items like their ID cards and phones while escaping, leaving behind everything else, including medication for their health conditions. She has since been a source of emotional support for them as they navigate this challenging time.
As the official mourning period began in Hong Kong, Canadians with ties to the city sought ways to support one another. Melody Kwan, a clinical counselor in B.C., organized free art therapy sessions aimed at helping Hongkongers process their feelings of grief. Kwan, who moved from Hong Kong to Vancouver three years ago, noted that this initiative allows participants to express themselves creatively while fostering mutual understanding and support within the community.
Global Affairs Canada estimated that about 300,000 Canadians reside in Hong Kong. As of now, the agency has reported no Canadian citizens among those affected by the blaze. The Canadian government expressed its condolences and support for the victims and their families during this tragic time.
In summary, the catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court has not only shocked the local community but reverberated across the globe, affecting those with ties to Hong Kong and prompting a response of solidarity and support from Canadians to help those impacted by this disaster.
