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

Bilateral relations between China and Seychelles are entering a new phase of expansion, driven by rising trade volumes and growing collaboration in private sector, as well as emerging cooperation in the blue economy and digital innovation.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is paying a visit to Seychelles and two other African countries of Kenya and South Africa from March 22 to 30.

The year of 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Seychelles.

In 1976, Seychelles became a sovereign nation. China was among the first nations to officially recognize the archipelago country's independence from British rule, marking the beginning of a long friendship that has later transformed the small island state in the Indian Ocean.

"This 50th anniversary will allow us to take stock of what we have achieved in different fields, education, health, infrastructure, economy, culture, environment and other areas," Vincent Meriton, former vice president of Seychelles, said in an interview via video link.

In 2024, at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the relations between the two countries hit a new peak as the ties were officially elevated to a strategic partnership.

Available data showed that bilateral trade between the two countries has maintained a strong momentum, reaching 84 million U.S. dollars in 2024. China mainly exports high-tech products such as smart phones, high-end camera systems, and mechanical and electric products, among others. Seychelles primarily exports seafood.

The future development of the bilateral ties is now turning offshore as both nations are looking toward blue economy. They are working together on sustainable fisheries and protection for the very ocean that feeds Seychelles.

Chinese vice president's visit to Seychelles to further enhance bilateral ties