Brace yourself for conditions at fire-hit Wang Fuk Court, returning residents told

he fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 168 people last November.

Jonathan Wong Hong Kong authorities have warned former residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court to brace themselves for the conditions in their home when they return next month to collect belongings, while saying that those with health issues, among others, should not enter the buildings.

The government also provided residents with psychological assessment questionnaires to help them decide whether to return home as part of an operation starting on April 20, according to notices seen by the South China Morning Post on Sunday.

Under the arrangement, residents will be able to return on select dates based on which housing block they lived in.

The notice said the conditions inside the buildings are “difficult”, explaining that water and flushing water supplies had been suspended, and some locations showed signs of possible decaying organic matter and bacterial growth. “We do not advise [elderly people], pregnant women, children, primary school students, residents with disabilities, or people with poor health, especially those with heart diseases or respiratory diseases, to return home, particularly flats on higher floors,” the document read.

Authorities will provide each resident with a safety helmet, a flashlight, a surgical mask, work gloves and sanitary items, according to the notice.

Residents can also ask for bottles of water, small-sized nylon canvas bags and rubbish bags, but have been advised to refrain from using large bags to avoid overloading themselves and causing accidents.

They are advised against using the toilets inside their homes or opening their refrigerators, with the latter because rotten food inside may pose a health risk.

The questionnaire has six key questions that assess whether residents are fit to return home, noting that they may experience feelings of insecurity or hesitancy.

The document said that residents had the “absolute right to decide” and should seek help from social workers if needed.

The operation will allow residents to return to Wang Fuk Court on select dates based on which tower they lived in.

Photo: Jelly Tse For the survey’s first question, residents are asked to assess the importance of the belongings they plan to collect, such as whether the items need to be handled personally or are irreplaceable.

The survey also asks if residents can foresee experiencing strong emotions, such as anxiety and fear, or if they are concerned about being unable to

原文链接: 南华早报