Residents across Hong Kong rush to help after deadly fire

Volunteers and community groups rushed in, determined to help after a major residential complex fire broke out in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday.

A steady stream of emergency supplies such as blankets, food and water, donated by enterprises and individuals, has been arriving at the temporary shelters.

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Residents across Hong Kong rush to help after deadly fire

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Residents across Hong Kong rush to help after deadly fire

Many residents have also voluntarily transported supplies, organized fundraisers, and offered online psychological counseling.

"I've lived here for over 30 years. Our hearts are incredibly heavy right now. But at the same time, we feel deeply comforted by the support from our national leaders, leaders at all levels, and all sectors of society. Those who can give money are giving money, those who can contribute effort are giving their strength. It makes us feel that when one place is in trouble, help comes from all directions. Our volunteers come from all over Hong Kong, as well as from the mainland and even overseas. Everyone came voluntarily, and most of us didn't know each other beforehand," said a volunteer.

"My feeling is that we are all Hong Kong people, and when others need help, we young people, can do our part and help by providing daily necessities and essentials they need. They are all very happy about that," said a senior high school student.

"Everyone is working together. This truly reflects the spirit of 'when one place is in trouble, aid comes from all directions,'" said another high school volunteer on site.

Angus Ng Hok-ming, chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Association, has also organized volunteers to provide assistance.

"We recruited 1,200 volunteers in two days. Currently, supplies are plentiful, we have sufficient personnel, and there are many volunteers. So we can see that everyone is united and doing their utmost to support the disaster relief efforts. I feel that this shows Hong Kong is full of love," Ng said.

Firefighting, rescue and search operations were completed on Friday morning after the fatal blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon. The tragedy has claimed 128 lives.

The U.S. dollar increased in late trading on Friday.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, added 0.74 percent to 102.298 at 15:00 (2000 GMT).

In late New York trading, the euro fell to 1.1140 dollars from 1.1225 dollars in the previous session, and the British pound dropped to 1.3351 dollars from 1.3459 U.S. dollars in the previous session.

The U.S. dollar bought 158.49 Japanese yen, higher than 157.85 Japanese yen of the previous session. The U.S. dollar advanced to 0.8206 Swiss francs from 0.8165 Swiss francs, and it increased to 1.4132 Canadian dollars from 1.3998 Canadian dollars. The U.S. dollar was up to 9.8988 Swedish Kronor from 9.7948 Swedish Kronor.