Survivors of the tragedy that killed more than 160 people face serious psychological consequences as investigations expose hidden negligence in one of Asia’s most developed cities
Yip Ka-kui shows photos on his cell phone that bring back happy memories in front of the Egyptian pyramids, the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal alongside his wife Pak Shui-lin, who died a month ago in the deadliest fire in decades.
Yip, 68, is one of thousands of people who lost a loved one in the catastrophe at the Wang Fuk Court residential high-rise complex, something few would have imagined in one of Asia’s safest and most developed cities.
While the Hong Kong government continues investigations and emergency operations, experts say the psychological consequences will be difficult to heal, both for survivors and the families mourning the more than 160 dead and witnesses.
“I feel guilty, I still have the impression that I warned her too late and that, therefore, [ela] he couldn’t escape in time,” confesses Yip.
On November 26, flames quickly engulfed seven of the complex’s eight residential towers, which were under construction and surrounded by low-quality plastic protective mesh that may have contributed to the spread of the fire.
Yip managed to escape first, but when the fire alarms did not sound, his wife went to knock on neighbors’ doors to warn them, according to a survivor. “A few minutes difference between us and I’ll never see her again. I can’t accept this”, he laments.
Psychological damage
Shortly after the fire broke out, psychologist Isaac Yu helped mobilize dozens of colleagues to support affected residents. “The magnitude, speed and degree of impact surpassed” everything he and his colleagues had been trained to do, he highlights.
The psychologist explains that those who lost everything managed to remain calm in the first moments. But the specialist fears that later on they will suffer a crisis and develop post-traumatic stress.
NGOs such as Samaritan Befrienders have reached out to families to offer free mental health services in addition to the support available in temporary accommodation.
In this semi-autonomous Chinese city of 7.5 million people, many were also obsessively following the news at the time of the fire, which may have taken a significant mental toll, according to Yu.
“For those who do not actively seek help, I fear the opportunity to intervene will be missed, which could lead to more serious mental health problems and tragedies,” he warns.
‘Incomprehensible’ aspects
Johnson Wong, a 51-year-old commercial director, told AFP that his family had difficulty controlling their pain, as two of his family members were still missing.
Most of the bodies have already been identified. However, some remains were reduced to ashes. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out DNA tests, which take time, the police said.
Wong’s wife was hoping for good news about her sister and mother until she saw photos of two charred bodies in their apartment. “If the DNA test is conclusive, that will be the end. But if not, what can we do?” asks Wong. “It will take a long time to calm the family down,” he says.
After moving in with his children, Yip, in turn, wants his apartment to be rebuilt exactly as it was. The government has not yet committed to renovating or demolishing the dilapidated complex, and industry experts estimate the relocation will take years.
In early December, police announced the arrest of 21 people linked to various construction and subcontracting companies, most for manslaughter and some for fraud.
Yip hopes authorities will elucidate the numerous “incomprehensible” aspects of the tragedy.
Wong, however, is more disillusioned: “Getting an answer is better than nothing, but can it repair what we lost?”
*With information from AFP
Published by Nícolas Robert
