Hong Kong Fire Tragedy Devastates Migrant Community

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a heart-wrenching scene at Victoria Park, hundreds of migrant domestic workers gathered over the weekend to remember their loved ones lost in Hong Kong's most lethal fire in over a century. Many attendees arrived with candles in hand, photographs clutched tightly, and a desperate quest for information on friends still unaccounted for since the catastrophic blaze at Wang Fuk Court.

Preliminary reports indicate that among the confirmed 146 fatalities, at least 10 were migrant workers, as revealed by various consulates. Furthermore, dozens are still missing, heightening the anxiety within the nearly 370,000-strong community of domestic workers who play a vital role in Hong Kong's childcare and elderly care sectors.

Sunday, typically a day of rest for these workers, transformed into an occasion for mourning. Prayer gatherings spread across neighborhoods as Indonesian and Filipino women shared the names of friends who remain missing, reflecting on unanswered calls and desperate hopes.

Sudarsih, an Indonesian worker in the city for 15 years, anxiously lamented the absence of two close friends since the fire. "I pray God will bring them back safe and sound," she said, standing beside a banner that read: "In loving memory: respect and honor for the loyalty and courage of migrant domestic workers."

Nearby, Dwi Sayekti, 38, struggled to express her fears about the growing casualty list. "I pray this will be the only tragedy of its kind," she said, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Those lost in Tai Po deserve to be found and remembered."

In Central, Filipino workers organized their own prayers beneath the soaring skyline. Among the frequently mentioned names was Rhodora Alcaraz, a young Filipina who recently arrived in Hong Kong. Reports suggested she used her own body to protect a three-month-old infant during the fire, and is currently in intensive care.

"She rescued another life," voiced fellow worker Michelle Magcale, choking back tears as she contemplated Rhodora's bravery.

The Philippine consulate confirmed the death of Maryan Pascual Esteban, who leaves behind a 10-year-old son in Rizal. Reports also mention one injured Filipino, with seven more casualties still unverified, while Indonesia's consulate noted nine deceased, one injured, and 42 missing among its nationals.

As rescue efforts continued, the ongoing crisis unveiled deeper issues. Over 50 survivors have reached out to community organizations for assistance after losing all possessions—passports, identification, and more. Many report sleepless nights, traumatized by the events, yet some feel compelled to continue caring for their grieving employers.

While the Hong Kong government has pledged HK$200,000 to each victim's family, migrant organizations highlight the urgent need for basic assistance for survivors who have lost everything, from clothing to identification.

As the city anticipates the release of the final list of names, the emotional weight for Hong Kong's migrant workers has already settled deeply, with their prayers—soft yet fervent—centered on a singular hope: that no more will go missing and no family will be left in anguish.