A devastating fire in a residential building in Hong Kong’s Tsz Wan Shan area on the afternoon of 26 November 2025 caused significant loss of life and injuries, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Immediately after the incident, the CPC Central Committee treated the situation with utmost urgency. President Xi Jinping was briefed on the disaster and issued important instructions. The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office swiftly gathered details of the rescue operations and, in the early hours of 27 November, dispatched a working group to Hong Kong. In coordination with Guangdong Province, emergency rescue equipment and medical supplies were delivered to Hong Kong on the night of 27 November and the morning of 28 November.
The Hong Kong SAR Government, together with all sectors of society, has worked collectively to respond to the tragedy. From temporary housing and essential supplies to livelihood allowances, psychological support, medical fee waivers and educational assistance—recovery efforts are proceeding in an orderly manner as Hong Kong gradually strives to return to normality.
To provide stable support for affected residents, the SAR Government introduced the “One Family, One Social Worker” system to deliver psychological care, resource coordination and practical assistance to fire-affected families. All medical treatment, medication and rehabilitation costs for hospitalized victims have been fully waived. Residents from eight buildings of Hong Fu Estate will enjoy full medical fee waivers at public hospitals until 31 December 2026. Temporary housing residents will receive full rental waivers and the option of long-term accommodation.
Though the fire was merciless, the warmth of humanity has prevailed. Waves of volunteers, continuous donations of relief supplies, long queues at blood donation centres, the spontaneous actions of citizens—all reflect Hong Kong’s united spirit. A university student carrying supplies remarked, “This is our home.” A 70-year-old volunteer said, “Unity is strength.” Businesses and trade groups provided funds and emergency goods, while many ordinary citizens contributed quietly and anonymously. Together, Hong Kong society has demonstrated a powerful and moving sense of solidarity.
Support has also poured in from across mainland China. Shenzhen residents organized relief supplies for Tsz Wan Shan; elderly people and children in Rongjiang, Guizhou, also donated. Guangdong Province rapidly mobilized and delivered rescue materials and medical supplies. The Red Cross Society of China and numerous mainland enterprises launched assistance programs. The Macao Foundation donated HK$30 million. With cooperation from the China Women’s Development Foundation and Hong Kong’s Women’s Federation representatives, over RMB 8 million was raised. Relief funds and supplies continue to arrive.
As of 1 p.m. on 7 December, the “Tsz Wan Shan Hong Fu Estate Relief Fund” had received nearly HK$3 billion in donations, which—together with the government’s initial HK$300 million allocation—has reached a total of approximately HK$3.3 billion. The funds will support long-term reconstruction and sustained assistance for affected residents.
Several major enterprises—including Tencent Charity Foundation, Xiaomi Foundation, ANTA Group, ByteDance, Midea Group, Alibaba Group, Geely Holding Group and the Li Shufu Public Welfare Foundation—donated money and supplies immediately after the incident to support rescue and recovery efforts. JD Logistics deployed trucks carrying bedding, warm blankets, hygiene supplies, towels, instant noodles and drinking water. China Resources Group offered hotel and apartment units to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.
This large-scale emergency response stands as a vivid illustration of the unity between the mainland and Hong Kong under “One Country, Two Systems”—a shared effort to confront crisis, strengthen ties and bring people together. It also demonstrates once again that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the people of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and all Chinese communities can unite to overcome any challenge.
Source: China Media Group.