Following a devastating blaze in late November, the Hong Kong Housing Department (HD) swiftly provided temporary housing for residents displaced from Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, but their relief efforts have recently been overshadowed by competing narratives concerning the quality of the temporary accommodations. On Tuesday, December 3, the Housing Department officially rejected widespread online allegations claiming the interim flats were left unfinished, lacking essential interior fixtures and appliances.
The controversy arose in the wake of the severe No. 5 alarm fire that struck Wang Fuk Court on November 26, 2025, resulting in several casualties and displacing numerous families. Authorities, collaborating with various community organizations, immediately moved survivors into a mix of temporary lodgings, including youth hostels, hotel rooms, and designated transitional housing units, to ensure no resident was left without shelter.
Conflicting Accounts Spark Online Debate
In recent days, several social media posts began circulating images purportedly showing the interim flats provided to victims. These photos depicted extremely rudimentary living spaces, noticeably absent of necessary domestic appliances and interior fittings, with some claims even suggesting that basic floor tiling had not been completed. These visual claims generated significant public concern, especially as a flurry of donations—including furniture and electrical goods—was already underway to support the affected families.
The debate intensified as contradictory images surfaced online. Alongside the photos of empty units, another widely shared photograph circulated, illustrating what was purportedly a standard, fully outfitted transitional flat, complete with finished interiors and necessary home appliances. This stark contrast between the circulated images fueled uncertainty regarding the actual conditions faced by the fire victims.
HD Issues Firm Denial
Responding directly to the swirling speculation, the Housing Department issued a definitive statement categorically denying the claims of unfinished accommodations. The HD emphasized that the allegations circulating online, particularly those detailing missing floor tiles and essential appliances, were untrue. Crucially, the department clarified that no affected residents are currently residing in the specific interim flats that were the subject of the inaccurate online posts.
The department urged the public to exercise caution and avoid being misled by the “false online content” that has amplified public anxiety. This official rejection seeks to reassure the community that the vulnerable residents are being housed in appropriate, habitable conditions as the long-term recovery and assessment process continues.
Looking Ahead: Continued Support and Transparency
The incident highlights the challenge authorities face in managing public perception and misinformation during an active disaster recovery phase. While the community’s outpouring of goodwill through donations remains vital, the Housing Department’s swift rebuttal aims to maintain trust and transparency regarding their immediate rehousing efforts.
Moving forward, the focus will shift beyond short-term shelter to securing stable, comprehensive long-term accommodations for the Wang Fuk Court families. Transparency regarding the conditions and allocation of all transitional housing assets remains critical to sustaining public support and assuring affected residents of adequate living standards during this difficult period. Community groups involved in the relief effort are continuing to coordinate the distribution of donated goods to ensure they reach families effectively.