Hundreds and thousands of volunteers of different ages, occupations, and locations have flocked to the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, after the news of a deadly blaze, which engulfed seven residential blocks, gripped the hearts of people across and beyond Hong Kong.

Since early Thursday morning, these good Samaritans — including elderly residents, college students, mainland students studying in Hong Kong, and young mothers — have been arriving at temporary shelters in the neighborhood. They came to help in any way they could. Some arrived with food and clothes in hand; others helped distribute necessities; and some assisted with registering the names of those who were missing.

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“I just want to help as much as I can,” said a 70-year-old woman surnamed Tso, who has lived in the community for four decades.

The woman volunteered soon after the fire broke out, offering help at the site and provide drinking water to victims.

“Although my home was not affected, I still felt very sad. … It was heartbreaking for me to see so many people unable to reach their families,” she said.

Tso added that two of her friends live in the fire-damaged buildings. “I haven’t heard any news about them. I’m praying and hoping it’s only because their phones’ batteries are drained.”

Tsui, a student from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, just one metro stop from the disaster-hit area, arrived at 7 am on Thursday to help distribute clothes and necessities.

“It’s heartbreaking to see so many people affected,” he said. “I just wanted to do my part.”

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At the Church of Christ in China Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, a volunteer registering names of the missing held a file listing the absent that was organized by floor and flat. He said that most of the missing were from Wang Fuk Court's Wang Cheong House — reportedly the first of the estate's seven blocks to catch fire — and Wang Tai House.

Angus Ng Hok-ming, chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Association, has organized volunteer teams to provide assistance, with over 800 members, including local residents and mainland residents working and studying in Hong Kong.

Ng told China Daily that about 200 members are already on-site, and divided into several teams to provide help. He said that the accommodation of disaster victims might be more difficult in the evening, and there is a necessity to have enough manpower to conduct the distribution and organization of supplies.

Meanwhile, a woman surnamed Ran delivered food and daily necessities to CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, one of the temporary shelters opened for the affected residents.

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Her family lives near the blaze-affected area, and after a sleepless night, she was moved to help, especially upon learning that many elderly victims were unaware of the fire until contacted by family.

Ran brought her two children, 6 and 11, whose classes have been suspended for the day. "I want them to learn gratitude, to appreciate society, and to become caring individuals," she said.

At blood donation stations, several residents come to ask about the donation, while employees explained that appointments for this week are fully booked, and the earliest available times to donate blood are next following week.

Hong Kong resident Wendy Hung said that although she was unable to donate, she is glad to witness the city’s compassion. “If there is a need for blood donations in the future, I am always ready to help,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Social Welfare Department said on Thursday that it is mobilizing personnel and resources to provide comprehensive support for affected residents.

The department has sent social workers, clinical psychologists, and other support staff to temporary shelters and hospitals to assist those affected by the fire. It has also instructed all youth service centers to provide care for children whose parents are unable to look after them due to school closures in the disaster-stricken area.

The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service thanked the public for its generous blood donations, adding that its blood bank maintains a stable supply of eight to 10 days.

"We encourage kindhearted donors to schedule an appointment before donating. This helps reduce waiting times and ensures a smoother process for everyone," the center’s spokesperson said.

The Hong Kong Housing Society said that it has set aside 400 available vacant flats, including 90 units at the Trackside Villas in Tai Po, for families who lost their homes in the deadly blaze. Those needing assistance can contact the society at 2838-1393.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com