Author: Cheung Wai-Man

Following the recent Tai Po fire incident, major transit routes remain impacted by ongoing clean-up and repair operations, compelling the Transport Department (TD) to coordinate significant emergency diversion plans for commuters. Beginning December 1, bus operators have implemented revised routes and service enhancements to mitigate widespread disruption during peak travel times. The public is strongly advised to allocate extra travel time and meticulously plan their daily journeys.

The primary cause of the continued traffic disruption centers on persistent road sections blocked for safety and recovery works. Specifically, portions of Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai, including stretches between Nam Wan Road and the Kowloon-bound Tolo Highway, as well as segments surrounding Kwong Fuk Park and Marvelous Villa, remain inaccessible.

Strategic Diversions and Infrastructure Fixes

To maintain essential connectivity between Tai Po, Sha Tin, and urban areas, the TD, in collaboration with franchised bus operators (FBOs) like KMB, mandated specific route changes effective from the initial departures on December 1. Routes 72, 72A, 73A, and 74A have been rerouted via Yau King Lane to rejoin Tai Po Road – Tai Po Kau.

Ensuring the feasibility and safety of these emergency routes required immediate infrastructure preparation by supporting government agencies. The Highways Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department worked swiftly to trim overhanging branches along Yau King Lane without compromising tree health, thereby guaranteeing adequate clearance for large vehicles. FBOs have also executed full road trials to confirm route navigability and driving safety.

In parallel, the MTR Corporation has bolstered its services, increasing the frequency of the East Rail Line along affected segments and enhancing MTR Bus operations within Tai Po as necessary. Additionally, FBOs are deploying standby vehicles and extra personnel to manage expected surges in passenger demand.

Progress and Continuing Traffic Pressure

While certain key arteries have successfully reopened, traffic congestion remains a significant concern. Yuen Shin Road (towards Ting Kok Road) and the slip road connecting the Kowloon-bound Tolo Highway to Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai have become available for traffic, offering renewed access to areas like Tai Po InnoPark, Tai Po North, and Nam Wan Road.

However, the continued closure of core sections is expected to place immense pressure on adjacent major roads, including the Tolo Highway, Fanling Highway, and internal roads within Tai Po town centre. The TD is strongly urging motorists to use alternative pathways whenever possible to alleviate bottlenecking.

To assist drivers, the TD has adjusted temporary road markings and intensified alerts on variable message signs, guiding those headed toward Tai Po to utilize alternatives such as Tat Wan Road, Tai Po Tai Wo Road, or Yuen Shin Road. Drivers must strictly adhere to temporary signals, signage, and on-site instructions.

Commuters are encouraged to utilize readily available resources to stay informed. Travelers can access the latest updates through radio and television traffic reports, the official TD website, and the HKeMobility mobile application. Early departure and thorough itinerary planning are crucial for minimizing travel stress during this period of operational recovery.

Hong Kong’s disease prevention authorities recently confirmed another imported case of Chikungunya fever, involving a 67-year-old woman returning from mainland China travel, underscoring the persistent risk of mosquito-borne illnesses despite the shift toward cooler weather. The case, confirmed by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on November 30, involved a patient residing in the Yuen Long District who developed symptoms following recent trips to Guangdong province. This latest confirmation brings the total recorded cases for the region this year to 74, signaling the need for continued public vigilance and heightened public health measures.

The patient experienced joint pain on November 28 and sought treatment at Pok Oi Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department. She has since been admitted to a mosquito-free ward and is currently in stable condition, according to CHP officials. Preliminary investigation revealed the woman traveled to both Zhongshan and Guangzhou between November 15–16 and again from November 20–23. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the Chikungunya virus in her blood sample.

The CHP assessed that the infection was acquired during these visits to Guangdong, classifying it as an imported case. All five household contacts and five travel companions linked to the patient’s trips remain asymptomatic and are currently under medical monitoring. The confirmed case has been duly reported to the Guangdong provincial health authorities as part of cross-border health communication protocols.

Global Context and Local Risk Assessment

Of the 74 Chikungunya cases reported in Hong Kong this year, 68 have been imported, while six originated locally. This local cluster is currently focused on the Tsing Yi area.

Internationally, the burden of Chikungunya remains substantial. From the start of 2025 through September 30, over 445,000 suspected and confirmed cases, along with 155 associated fatalities, were documented across 40 countries spanning the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Experts warn that global warming trends are contributing to prolonged mosquito breeding conditions in subtropical and even some temperate regions. These persistently higher temperatures mean outbreaks continue in multiple nations, maintaining a significant global transmission risk.

In response to both the imported case and recent local transmissions linked to Tsing Yi, the CHP has initiated immediate epidemiological investigations. Officials have collaborated with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to pinpoint the patient’s activity locations, facilitating targeted mosquito control interventions.

Heightened Monitoring and Public Action

Based on reports of mosquito bites among hikers, the CHP has specifically identified the Tsing Yi Nature Trails as higher-risk areas. Individuals who have visited Tsing Yi North or hiked these trails since November 23 are advised to watch for symptoms, which typically include fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and rash.

The CHP has urged anyone developing compatible symptoms to seek prompt medical attention and contact the Centre’s enquiry hotline at 2125 2373 (open daily, 9 am to 8 pm). Officials have also proactively alerted approximately 130 primary care doctors within the Kwai Tsing District to maintain vigilance, arrange appropriate blood and diagnostic testing, and leverage the available free diagnostic services provided by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

The CHP emphasizes that while surveillance is strict, the two recent local cases in Tsing Yi do not significantly alter the overall risk assessment, given the bolstered mosquito-borne disease control efforts now in place for all imported cases and active tracing within the district. Travelers are strongly advised to check health advisories related to mosquito-borne diseases before visiting any international destination.

Health authorities in Hong Kong are reiterating the critical importance of timely seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) for children following the notification of another severe pediatric case. This incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by influenza, even as the seasonal peak subsides, and reinforces vaccination as the most effective defense against serious complications.

The latest reported case involves a one-year-old boy who developed typical flu symptoms—fever, cough, and runny nose—on November 26. Despite consulting a private physician initially, his condition rapidly deteriorated three days later, marked by the onset of shortness of breath. He was subsequently admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department. Due to the severity of his respiratory distress, the child was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where he is currently listed in serious condition. Laboratory tests confirmed he was suffering from Influenza A (H3), complicated by pneumonia and croup.

Crucially, the child had not received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccine. While there was no recent travel history and two household contacts experienced only mild symptoms, this case contributes to a worrying trend reported during the current summer influenza season.

Pediatric Cases Remain High Despite Easing Activity

This recent admission brings the total number of severe pediatric influenza cases recorded this season to 23, tragically resulting in three fatalities. The affected patients have ranged in age from eleven months to 17 years old. Since the launch of this year’s SIV program, 14 severe cases have been reported. Significantly, only one of these children had received the current season’s vaccine, but the onset of illness occurred just four days post-vaccination—an insufficient window for the body to develop protective immunity, which typically requires approximately two weeks.

Dr. Albert Au, Head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), noted that although influenza activity has decreased since late October, it remains above baseline levels. With the impending cooler weather and the potential for an early winter influenza season, Dr. Au strongly urged all eligible individuals—specifically those aged six months and above without contraindications—to seek immediate vaccination.

Addressing Low Vaccination Rates in Young Children

This season has seen a disproportionately high number of severe cases affecting children compared to the previous winter. Dr. Au highlighted particularly low vaccination compliance among the youngest demographic; coverage for children aged six months to less than two years stands at under 17 percent.

“Parents must promptly arrange SIV for their children, as well as themselves and other family members, through their family doctors,” Dr. Au advised.

Actionable Steps for Parents and Caregivers:

The CHP stresses that swift medical attention is vital, as pediatric influenza can worsen rapidly. Parents should immediately take children presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms to a medical professional. Urgent assessment at an Accident and Emergency department is necessary if a child exhibits any of the following warning signs:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Bluish lips or face
• Chest pain
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Persistent high fever
• Convulsions

Timely vaccination remains the cornerstone of community protection, safeguarding vulnerable children against the potential life-threatening complications associated with seasonal influenza.

Following a devastating incident, Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVIU) teams in Hong Kong are continuing rigorous efforts to identify victims across the Kwong Fuk Court housing estate, even as structural safety concerns are being managed and community mourning deepens.

The recovery operations, led by the DVIU, pressed forward on Sunday, focusing on multiple residential blocks where the tragedy unfolded. Cheng Ka-chun, head of the DVIU, acknowledged the extremely challenging nature of on-site identification work. These efforts follow structural integrity assessments conducted by the Housing Department, which deemed the affected buildings safe for entry.

Victim Identification and Structural Safety

Teams successfully completed recovery and identification tasks at Wang Kin House and Wang Tai House. Focus has now shifted to ongoing operations at Wang Shing House, with plans to immediately move to Wang Sun House afterward.

The scale of the identification challenge remains significant: Police confirmed that 54 bodies still require formal identification. Additionally, approximately 100 missing-person reports currently remain untraceable. Despite the intensive recovery work, the Housing Department has reassured the public that preliminary surveys indicate no immediate structural danger within the affected residential towers.

Amidst the technical recovery, Police Commissioner Joe Chow visited the site alongside DVIU officers to assess progress and review the coordination of the complex operations.

Meanwhile, in a separate development demonstrating broader community resilience and return to normalcy, Sha Tin’s Sui Wo Court is preparing to dismantle scaffolding and protective netting from all nine blocks, aiming to conclude the work within two weeks.

Community Response and Pet Rescue Efforts

The human impact of the tragedy continues to evoke a strong public response. Public mourning swelled substantially on Sunday afternoon, with lines of citizens stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers to lay flowers. Organizers estimate that around 1,500 people participated in the solemn display of solidarity by mid-afternoon.

The aftermath has also significantly impacted local pets, prompting coordinated rescue and relief efforts. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), collaborating with volunteer groups, reported that 339 animals have been affected by the incident.

Of the pets recovered and handed over by fire services personnel:

• 136 animals survived and received care.
• 45 animals were found deceased.

The SPCA continues to receive animals recovered from various blocks around the clock and is urgently attempting to contact owners with updates on their pets’ status.

The organization has established resources for affected pet owners requiring immediate assistance. Owners needing veterinary help or pet supplies are advised to visit the dedicated SPCA pet relief station located in the park situated between Kwong Yee House and Kwong Lai House. Alternatively, owners can call the SPCA hotline at 9503 6229 for information and coordination.

The continuation of identification work, coupled with robust community support and specialized animal welfare operations, underscores a determined effort to address the multifaceted consequences of the disaster and provide resolution for affected families.

TAI PO, Hong Kong — Residents and community members converged on Tai Po yesterday, transforming a serene public space into a spontaneous memorial overflowing with floral tributes, following the devastating No. 5 alarm fire that struck Wang Fuk Court late last week. On the first Sunday since the tragedy, thousands gathered near the cordoned-off residential estate, creating a poignant scene of collective grief and reflection just across the road at the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area.

Beginning around 3 p.m., a vast assembly of mourners formed an extensive queue to lay bouquets, handwritten cards, and personal messages. Eyewitness estimates placed the line, which snaked along the Lam Tsuen River embankment and extended past Po Heung Bridge, into the thousands. The sheer volume of attendees was evident, as navigating the procession from its end to the memorial site required an estimated 15 minutes of continuous walking.

Messages Seek Comfort and Accountability

The tributes bore typical expressions of condolence, such as “May the departed rest in peace,” alongside personal farewells written on colorful sticky notes and larger placards. However, the memorial site also served as a focal point for deeper communal concerns.

Several messages shifted from mourning to demanding systemic oversight and justice. One prominent note declared, “It’s not the bamboo scaffolds that need review, but the system,” while other signs simply asked, “Where is justice?” and powerfully conveyed the community’s anguish with the single word: “Pain.” These sentiments underscore the complex emotional landscape surrounding the disaster, mixing profound sorrow with calls for greater governance accountability.

Diverse Community Unites in Sorrow

The mourners represented a cross-section of Hong Kong society, reflecting the broad impact of the tragedy. Many attendees, including families with young children, were visibly emotional, seeking solace in shared grief.

Notably, a significant contingent of foreign domestic workers participated in the memorial. Filipino and Indonesian helpers utilized their Sunday off-day, with many traveling considerable distances from outside Tai Po, particularly to pay respects to fellow compatriots believed to be among the fire’s victims. This outpouring of solidarity highlighted the deep, interconnected ties within the community, transcending geography and background in the face of shared loss.

As official investigations into the cause and factors contributing to the fire intensity proceed, the immediate focus remains on those affected. The robust public demonstration of grief at Tai Po illustrates the community’s need for both emotional closure and assurances regarding future safety protocols for high-density residential areas in the territory. Further details regarding the official inquiry and support services for displaced residents are anticipated early this week.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is providing immediate and free accommodation for residents recently displaced by the devastating fire in Tai Po, assuring support until permanent homes are reconstructed. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen announced Sunday that officials aim to rehouse approximately 1,900 affected households within two weeks, utilizing a mix of transitional housing and secured alternative lodgings. This emergency response follows the calamitous fire at Wang Fuk Court on November 26, which resulted in 128 fatalities and 83 injuries.

Rapid Mobilization for Displacement

Speaking during a television appearance, Mak confirmed that the government has secured over 1,800 units, indicating strong confidence in the capacity to meet initial demand. She emphasized that the strategy involves flexible arrangements tailored to the unique circumstances of each family or individual impacted by the blaze.

The government’s commitment extends beyond immediate shelter. Mak stressed that all assistance provided will be completely free of charge, including crucial complimentary transportation links to ensure residents can maintain access to work, schools, and essential services while displaced.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, who chairs the task force responsible for coordinating emergency housing, echoed this assurance. Wong stated that supply appears adequate, noting that the city currently boasts more than 2,000 available places across existing transitional housing schemes and rehousing estates managed by the Housing Society.

Addressing Long-Term Stability

For households facing extended periods of displacement, the government is committed to arranging long-term transitional accommodation. Mak reiterated that officials recognize the rebuilding process for the affected residential block will be lengthy and complex. The provision of free, secure housing aims to minimize disruption and relieve the significant financial burden on disaster victims.

This swift government intervention highlights a prioritized effort to stabilize the lives of thousands of residents following one of the most severe residential fires in recent Hong Kong history. The focus now shifts to the logistical challenge of matching families with suitable units that meet their specific needs, factoring in size, location, and accessibility requirements.

Key Government Support Measures:

• Free Temporary Housing: Immediate placement in government-secured units.
• Targeted Rehousing: Goal to place 1,900 households within one to two weeks.
• Complimentary Transport: Free links provided to ensure mobility.
• Long-Term Options: Arrangement of transitional housing for extended stays if permanent homes are delayed.

The coming weeks will be critical in assessing the effectiveness of this rapid government mobilization as officials work directly with affected residents to navigate the immense emotional and practical challenges accompanying significant displacement and loss. Further updates are expected from the task force as the rehousing process progresses.

A person was found deceased in the waters near Tsing Yi, Hong Kong, on Sunday, November 30, following a reported drowning incident close to the Tsing Ma Bridge. The discovery occurred shortly after noon, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities into the circumstances surrounding the death.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., emergency services received an alert regarding an individual floating in the sea near the major Lantau Link connection. Rescue teams, including marine police and fire department vessels, were rapidly deployed to the scene. Rescuers successfully retrieved the individual from the water, but medical personnel confirmed the person had died upon examination at the site.

The police have officially classified the case as a “body found” incident. Currently, investigators are focused on two primary objectives: confirming the identity of the deceased and determining how the person entered the water. The investigation seeks to uncover whether the death resulted from an accident, suicide, or other potential causes.

Standard Procedures Following Discovery of Human Remains

When a body is recovered from public waters, such as those surrounding the Tsing Ma Bridge, standard police protocols mandate a thorough forensic analysis. These procedures are critical for providing clarity to the community and to the deceased’s family.

Key investigation steps typically include:

• Forensic Identification: Utilizing fingerprints, dental records, or DNA analysis to confirm the person’s identity. The police will also cross-reference missing person reports filed in the preceding days and weeks throughout Hong Kong.
• Cause and Manner of Death: A detailed autopsy will be scheduled to ascertain the medical cause of death (e.g., drowning, trauma). Detectives will simultaneously gather contextual evidence to establish the manner of death (e.g., accidental, natural, suicide, or undetermined).
• Scene Examination: Reviewing CCTV footage from nearby infrastructure, including the Tsing Ma Bridge and surrounding roadways, to track the individual’s movements leading up to the time they were seen in the water.

The Tsing Ma Bridge area, a vital transport corridor connecting Kowloon and Lantau Island, is a high-traffic location, making the availability of surveillance footage high. Authorities rely on these resources to piece together a timeline of events.

The police have urged anyone with relevant information regarding the identity of the person found, or the events leading to the incident, to contact marine regional headquarters immediately. As the investigation progresses, further details regarding the deceased’s age, gender, and residency status are expected to be released.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by search and rescue teams operating in Hong Kong’s complex maritime environment. The resolution of the case now hinges on the meticulous work of the forensic and detective teams to provide closure and context to this untimely death.

Following the tragic No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) staged its November 30th race meeting at Sha Tin behind closed doors, dramatically scaling back event activities to honor the victims. The solemn day included a minute of silence before the first race, marking a shift in focus from sport to community support, with the organization committing nearly HK$170 million toward relief efforts for affected victims and bereaved families.

The somber mood was immediately evident at the Sha Tin venue. Jockeys and racing officials appeared in muted attire, and following the minute of collective reflection in the parade ring, riders affixed black armbands as a visible demonstration of respect. Mirroring the restrained atmosphere, the HKJC severely limited attendance. The stands, usually packed with spectators, hosted only essential personnel, including owners, stewards, selected members, and their designated guests. The bustling elements of a typical race day were absent; there were no flashy commercial sponsorships or live music performances on course.

Operational Changes Reflect Community Mourning

In addition to the restricted main venue, the operational scope of off-course betting branches was significantly narrowed, focusing solely on core customer services. Patrons who had secured reservations for the racecourse or external betting centers were informed they would receive refunds, underscoring the Club’s commitment to minimizing celebratory activity during a period of public mourning.

The HKJC’s response extends beyond symbolic gestures, focusing heavily on financial assistance. The organization previously announced a substantial initial allocation of HK$100 million from its Charities Trust, designated to aid those impacted by the devastating fire. This commitment was substantially bolstered by a further promise concerning the race day’s financial yield.

Massive Financial Commitment to Relief

The Club confirmed it would donate the entirety of the day’s net proceeds—estimated to be approximately HK$70 million—directly to the relief efforts, pending necessary government consultation. This significant contribution, combined with the initial Charities Trust pledge, brings the organization’s total committed donation to approximately HK$170 million.

According to a Club spokesperson, the review of all operational aspects was conducted “to ensure sensitivity to the disaster’s impact,” highlighting the civic responsibility felt by the prominent organization. The decision to proceed with the races, albeit in a drastically muted capacity, was seen as necessary to maintain the integrity of the racing calendar while ensuring all potential revenue could be channeled into immediate community assistance.

The tragedy and the HKJC’s subsequent response immediately place the focus on large-scale institutional support during times of crisis. The substantial financial donation is expected to provide essential aid for rebuilding lives and offering long-term support to those suffering immeasurable loss. The combined action of quiet respect and significant financial commitment sets a clear precedent for major organizations supporting the broader community during public emergencies.

Chinese air carriers have canceled over 900 scheduled flights to Japan in December, according to Japanese media reports on Saturday, November 29, raising serious concerns about the potential economic repercussions for Japan’s vital tourism industry and international airports, amid an intensifying diplomatic strain between the two nations. This substantial reduction in air traffic, equivalent to 16% of previously planned services, has prompted Japanese economic observers to call for vigilant monitoring, anticipating potential further escalation from Beijing.

Sharp Drop in December Air Traffic

The aviation analytics firm Cirium confirmed the significant disruption, noting that the cancellations affect routes connecting 20 Japanese airports with 36 airports in mainland China. As of Thursday morning, November 27, Chinese airlines had removed 904 flights across 72 routes from their schedules, equating to a capacity reduction of approximately 156,000 seats. This figure marks a steep increase from the 268 flights initially cut just three days earlier on Tuesday, November 25, suggesting a rapid acceleration of the service reduction.

The affected routes are critical arteries for inbound tourism and business travel. Kansai International Airport (KIX), a key gateway to western Japan, has been the most significantly impacted hub, recording 626 inbound flight cancellations. Major routes affected at KIX include 80 canceled flights from Nanjing, 71 from Shanghai, and 58 from Beijing.

Other major Japanese airports are also experiencing significant fallout:

• Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) in Nagoya each saw 68 cancellations.
• New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido, a popular winter destination, lost 61 flights.
• Naha Airport (OKA) in Okinawa recorded 26 cancellations.

Comparatively, Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) was relatively sheltered, with only seven cancellations out of 989 inbound services. Several major Chinese carriers implemented cuts: Spring Airlines slashed 182 flights, Juneyao Air canceled 166, China Southern cut 118, and China Eastern reduced its schedule by 109 flights.

Widespread Economic Implications

The severe reduction in air services is already translating into tangible economic losses beyond the aviation sector. The president of Narita International Airport Corporation acknowledged that Chinese carriers had signaled plans to reduce services starting in December, projecting that 10% to 20% of the almost 300 weekly flights between Narita and China could be canceled.

A separate incident, illustrating the broader economic shockwave, involved a hotel in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture. The establishment disclosed that more than 1,000 bookings made by Chinese tourists were abruptly canceled between November 16 and 19.

Japanese economists are scrutinizing the situation closely, recognizing that the sustained reduction in tourism and business traffic from China could deliver a heavy blow to regional economies that rely on Chinese visitors. The suddenness and scale of the cancellations suggest a coordinated response that extends past routine schedule adjustments, deeply linking the current diplomatic tensions to measurable economic damage for Japan’s travel and hospitality industries. Monitoring how Beijing proceeds in the coming weeks will be crucial for understanding the medium-term impact on bilateral economic relations.

Following the devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 30, 2025, which resulted in significant casualties and displacement, law enforcement and civic organizations have issued urgent warnings regarding sophisticated scams targeting traumatized survivors. Initial relief efforts, including emergency cash payments of HK$10,000 and supportive subsidies, have attracted opportunistic fraudsters impersonating volunteers and social workers to harvest sensitive personal data from vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly.

Authorities confirmed that malicious actors are utilizing counterfeit forms and unsolicited phone calls to illicitly gather personal, banking, and credit card details, allegedly aiming to siphon disaster funds or commit financial fraud. The Tai Po fire’s aftermath has become fertile ground for these predatory schemes, compounding the suffering of victims already dealing with emotional and material loss.

Impostors Use Fake Registration Forms to Target Survivors

Reports circulating widely on social media and validated by recent police advisories detail specific methods employed by the scammers. Individuals posing as legitimate aid workers have been seen near the affected estate carrying stacks of bogus documents titled “Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Disaster Victim Registration Form.” They approach elderly survivors, requesting crucial information such as identity card numbers, home addresses, and bank account credentials under the guise of processing relief aid.

Police identified numerous instances where fraudsters attempted to solicit not only basic personal data but also highly sensitive financial details, including online banking credentials and verification codes. These actions represent a severe threat of identity theft and direct financial loss. Following the tragedy, many residents and their families were already congregating at locations like the Kwong Fuk Estate Community Hall for support, making them vulnerable targets during this period of high distress.

One concerned citizen witnessed purported volunteers aggressively soliciting private data, including passwords, from seniors distributing supplies. Confronted, the group quickly dispersed, suggesting the organized nature of the scheme. Separately, a hospital patient recovering from smoke inhalation—a Wang Fuk Court resident—received a suspicious phone call requesting identifying information, which a vigilant nurse promptly terminated and flagged. Such incidents underscore the pervasive nature of these attacks, even reaching those in medical care.

Law Enforcement Urges Extreme Vigilance

The proliferation of these scams prompted immediate and repeated cautions from Hong Kong police. Authorities emphasized that legitimate aid organizations do not request sensitive details like passwords or full banking credentials, especially not through unsolicited forms or calls.

Key Safety Guidelines for Survivors and the Public:

• Do not complete unsolicited registration forms: Verify the legitimacy of all documents and personnel through official government or well-known organizations.
• Never disclose sensitive personal data: Avoid sharing identity card numbers, bank account details, online banking credentials, or passwords with unknown individuals or callers.
• Be suspicious of immediate demands for financial details: Legitimate aid is granted based on verified need, not immediate compliance with requests for passwords or PINs.

Police reiterate that scammers are leveraging the community’s natural desire to assist survivors. Victims and their families, already grappling with profound trauma, face the tragic possibility of financial ruin if their data is compromised.

The immediate priority for all affected residents remains engagement with verified relief channels. Any suspicious activity, including encounters with individuals requesting sensitive details under the pretext of disaster aid, should be reported immediately to law enforcement to prevent further exploitation of highly vulnerable individuals during this critical recovery phase.