Residents Joe and Annie visited their flat at Wang Fuk Court for what they believed was the last time to collect belongings. Banks are replacing cash damaged in the November fire under measures from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
On their final visit, Joe and his wife Annie photographed each room in their undamaged flat. The space smelled of sweat and mould, with ants on the kitchen walls and a foul odour from the freezer. Outside, charred towers stood amid debris.
Joe pressed the lift button repeatedly, knowing it no longer worked. “There will never be another chance to press this button again,” he said, his T-shirt soaked with sweat. “Farewell, Wang Fuk Court.”
Hong Kong’s note-issuing banks, including Bank of China Hong Kong, are exchanging burnt notes for affected residents. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority introduced the one-stop service last December. Resident Mrs Ho reported that her six-figure life savings in banknotes were sent for authentication after coins had already been replaced.
