Residents displaced by Hong Kong’s worst fire in seven decades have been left weary and anxious, fearing another sleepless night and uncertain about where they can shelter.
A 76-year-old retiree, Chow, who lives in the Kwong Fuk public housing estate in Tai Po, spent all of Thursday sitting in the open area near Wang Fuk Court – the scene of the fire – after being evacuated from her home the previous day.
“My back hurts from sitting too long on the hard flower bed edge. I did not sleep at all last night in the restaurant,” said Chow.
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“I feel very tired and I might get sick from it. I think two nights are the maximum that I can go through.”
About 500 residents were staying at nine temporary shelters in Tai Po, the government said on Thursday.
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While Chow felt lucky her home was unharmed, she said lingering smoke forced people to stay outdoors overnight.