PolyU stands shoulder to shoulder with all sectors of society, providing comprehensive support to victims of the Tai Po fire and affected staff and students

A devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po occurred on 26 November, resulting in severe casualties and leaving thousands of families homeless. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) community is deeply saddened by the tragedy. PolyU President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG expressed that the University, with profound sorrow, deeply mourns those who perished in the fire and the brave firefighter who lost his life battling the deadly blaze. He also extended the University’s deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and heartfelt sympathies to the injured and all affected residents, and paid tribute to all frontline personnel contributing to the rescue operations.

PolyU has promptly activated its contingency measures in response to this major incident. Prof. Teng further stated, “This tragedy has touched the hearts of everyone in Hong Kong. As a member of the Hong Kong community, PolyU is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to those affected. We will continue to monitor and fully support the mental health of our staff and students and address the practical needs of community residents. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with all sectors of society as we weather this difficult period together.”

Community support: Mobilising staff, students and alumni to assist affected residents

PolyU’s School of Nursing yesterday deployed a team of nearly 30 staff and students to Tai Po “Good House”, in response to appeals from the Community Care Age Foundation and the Hong Kong PHAB Association, to provide assistance such as triage and the distribution of supplies to displaced residents, including disabled people and older adults. The School will continue to support those in need by sending additional teams in the coming days.

At the same time, the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences has reached out to the Primary Healthcare Commission, offering the services of alumni and staff who are registered nurses or social workers. Nearly 70 alumni and staff from the School of Nursing and the Department of Applied Social Sciences have already signed up to provide mental health counselling services and comprehensive support to victims at shelter nursing stations.

On-campus support: Services for staff and students in need and support for mental health

PolyU has also consolidated resources across departments and units to provide a range of support to students and staff affected by the incident, including temporary accommodation in student halls of residence and the provision of essential daily supplies. In addition, the University will offer flexible class and examination arrangements, counselling services, emotional support, as well as emergency financial aid for students in need.The School of Nursing’s Resilient Students Training Hub (ReST Hub), located in Block A on campus, will provide mental health and resilience consultations for staff and students, with extended service hours on Saturday and Sunday. Furthermore, the School has set up a dedicated hotline to offer psychological counselling to students in need.

Following the incident, the University’s Human Resources Office promptly contacted affected colleagues to understand their situation and needs. If staff members or their family members experience emotional distress, anxiety or any difficulties, the Office’s Employee Assistance Programme will provide confidential support, counselling and resources, and can also offer leave or flexible working arrangements for staff in need.

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