Nation rallies in grief, support after Hong Kong fire

Mainlanders have joined their compatriots in Hong Kong in an outpouring of grief and support as investigations and relief efforts continue into the fatal fire that ravaged Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday.

As of 4 pm local time on Sunday, the fire at the residential complex in Tai Po had left 146 dead, according to Hong Kong police.

So far, the government support funds for the fire have reached HK$1.1 billion ($141.3 million), with HK$800 million coming from donations from dozens of major listed companies and charitable foundations across the country and HK$300 million from government grants, according to Cheuk Wing-hing, deputy chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

The People's Bank of China, China's central bank, has opened a "green lane" for RMB donations originating on the mainland to ensure they instantly reach the recipient account in Hong Kong. According to the PBOC, this arrangement aims to support the search and rescue work, treatment of the injured and relief efforts.

John Lee Ka-chiu, the HKSAR's chief executive, along with principal officials of the HKSAR government and civil servants, participated in a memorial service at the government headquarters on Saturday.

With the national flag and the HKSAR flag hoisted at half-staff, all officials present observed a three-minute silence in mourning for the fire victims.

During a three-day mourning period, the HKSAR government will set up condolence points in all 18 districts across the city, enabling the public to sign condolence books and mourn the victims.