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.

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.

Residents across Hong Kong rush to help after deadly fire

Residents across Hong Kong rush to help after deadly fire

Residents across Hong Kong rush to help after deadly fire

Residents across Hong Kong rush to help after deadly fire

Brazil has intensified efforts to support Venezuelan migrants through a nationwide program that provides free courses and resettlement assistance, as thousands continue to flee to Brazil.

Over the past decade, more than 1.4 million Venezuelans have entered Brazil, with more than 70 percent crossing through Roraima, a state with limited capacity to absorb large numbers of newcomers. In the first 20 days of this year alone, over 5,000 Venezuelans arrived in Brazil.

To ease the strain on Roraima, the "Operation Welcome" relocates vulnerable migrants to other cities in a voluntary, safe, and orderly manner. At coordination and education centers, Venezuelans can take free courses to boost employment prospects, while those with family or jobs elsewhere receive travel documents to continue their journey.

Among the Venezuelans seeking a new life is Ana del Valle, who plans to head south and credits the program with supporting her family.

"They have given us so much support. They have always been attentive to our needs. Truly, they are exceptional. I am so grateful. I hope I can find work soon to provide a good education for my children and improve our quality of life," she said.

Not all migrants rely on government assistance. At the bus terminal in the border city of Pacaraima, ticket agents said many Venezuelans with greater financial means purchase tickets directly to southeastern and southern states in Brazil, where job opportunities are more abundant.

"My final destination is Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state. I was told it's very safe. When I arrive, I'm going to look for a job there. I have a cousin there," said Josue Marca, another Venezuelan migrant.

Although arrivals have slowed compared with previous years, Brazilian experts say the decline is temporary. As long as Venezuelans face shortages of food, medicine and public services, migration into Brazil is expected to continue.

Brazil steps up program to help Venezuelan migrants resettle