Residents of Wang Chi House gathered early on Wednesday morning in Tai Po, as the sole block that was untouched by last November’s fire opened its doors for a second time, allowing residents to retrieve their personal belongings.

Over the next five days, residents will return in scheduled batches.

Each household may send up to four people per visit, with each visit lasting three hours.

During that time, residents are permitted to go up and down the building multiple times.

The morning saw registered residents arrive at Kwong Fuk Community Hall equipped with suitcases, hand trucks and cardboard boxes, preparing to head back for their second opportunity to collect items since December.

One resident, surnamed Wong, said her first return visit was rushed, leaving her time only to grab her bank cards and her children’s school supplies.

This time, she hopes to recover items of greater sentimental value.

When it comes to moving, she added, no amount of time ever feels like enough.

"Three hours is not enough when it comes to moving homes. My home was actually going through renovations, so it is very messy inside. I will need more time to find where my belongings are," she said.

"We also don’t have the physical energy to move everything. Usually when people move, they hire moving companies unless they know a lot of strong men."

Another resident surnamed Lam said he is returning on behalf of his elderly parents to help gather their belongings.

"I will collect items with sentimental value, like photo books, because I don’t know when I will get to go back after this time. Last time, I mostly gathered their valuables," he said.

"I will video call them to ask what they want me to retrieve."

Meanwhile, a resident surnamed Lui said he arrived with a checklist and a plan to pack clothes, small appliances and furniture.

He said he is treating this visit as their last and will do his best to take whatever he can.

Seven floors will be open for retrieval on the first day, followed by six floors per day over the next four days.



Edited by Tony Sabine