Hongfu Garden Fire | Zuo Yongxing: Up to 4 people can go upstairs simultaneously to tidy up. Believe there is enough time.

Residents of Block 7, Mong Fuk Court, which suffered damage, may return to their units in batches from April 20 to May 4 during designated times. A maximum of 4 people is allowed per unit during the specified time period, and if the damage is particularly severe, only one person is allowed, with a stay not exceeding 3 hours. Secretary for Administration, Eric Chan, stated in a radio program that the most important consideration when making arrangements is the safety of the residents; since 4 people can go upstairs at the same time, this is equivalent to a total of 12 hours for cleanup, and it is believed that this time is sufficient. Residents can also say goodbye to their units without taking too much time.

Eric Chan pointed out that there are 17 units with severe structural damage, allowing only 1 person to enter and exit the unit. These units can still have 4 people go upstairs together, but only one person can enter the unit at the same time; authorities expect that in some units where residents have passed away, family members may hold memorial ceremonies, but they cannot light fires or burn incense or offerings.

He said that some unit doors are damaged, so when arranging for residents to go upstairs, the belongings of other units must also be protected; in principle, the 4 people of the same unit must enter and exit together under police escort, and residents are not allowed to make multiple trips back and forth to move items. However, in low-rise units, residents and accompanying staff may be handled at the scene on a case-by-case basis.

Eric Chan stated that the situation at the disaster site is extremely dire, with devastation everywhere, and without elevators, it is indeed difficult to move, posing certain risks. He advised residents wishing to return to their units to assess their own capabilities.