10:45 am - Tuesday April 21, 2026

Nothing left: Hong Kong fire survivors return to burnt homes

1365 Viewed Pallavi Kumar Add Source Preference
Gold-hungry traders tap NRIs to cater to humongous demand
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are bringing gold into the country by taking advantage of rules that allow each individual to carry 1 kg of the metal, helping traders cope with restrictions on imports during the peak wedding season. India, vying with China to be the top buyer of gold, has choked imports to narrow its trade gap and curb the outflow of dollars. The measures included raising the import duty to a record 10 percent and making it mandatory to export as jewellery 20 percent of all gold imports. But non-residents who have stayed abroad for more than six months can bring in gold on payment of the import duty, irrespective of end use. Such is the demand that some traders are paying passengers' air fares if they agree to carry gold. About 80 kg of gold was brought in by non-resident Indians (NRIs) this month on a flight from Dubai to Calicut in the southern state of Kerala, said an airport official who did not want to be identified. Travel agents typically book about 20-30 tickets on a flight on behalf of NRIs, who are accompanied by people working for traders, said Bachhraj Bamalwa, director of the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, an umbrella body of more than 300,000 jewellers. "These NRIs pay the duty, so there is nothing illegal about it," Bamalwa said. "These people are mainly labourers from Tamil Nadu or Kerala, who are given a free ticket." Government officials estimate NRIs have imported a tonne of gold since mid-November, compared to nearly nothing in previous months. That's a boon for jewellers, many of which have been operating at half capacity due to a lack of stock. Official gold imports fell to about 21 tonnes in November, less than half the monthly requirement, data from metals consultancy Thomson Reuters GFMS showed. Gold premiums in India rose to a record $160 per ounce on London prices earlier in December. Gold-hungry traders tap NRIs to cater to humongous demand

Nothing left: Hong Kong fire survivors return to burnt homes

### Echoes of Tragedy: Residents Revisit Wang Fuk Court Amidst Lingering Scars of Devastating Fire

**Hong Kong, [Date]** – Five months after a catastrophic fire ripped through Wang Fuk Court, claiming the lives of 168 individuals, survivors and their families have begun the somber process of returning to the scene of the tragedy. The visit, a poignant and deeply emotional undertaking, marks a significant step in the community’s long journey towards healing and remembrance, even as the physical scars of the blaze remain starkly visible.

The inferno, which erupted on [Approximate Date of Fire], transformed a once-vibrant residential building into a scene of unimaginable devastation. The scale of the loss sent shockwaves throughout Hong Kong, leaving behind a community grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and the profound challenge of rebuilding shattered lives. For those who escaped the flames, the return to Wang Fuk Court is not merely a physical act but an emotional pilgrimage, a confrontation with the tangible remnants of a night that irrevocably altered their futures.

Eyewitness accounts from the day of the fire paint a harrowing picture of chaos and desperation. Residents recounted scenes of thick smoke, intense heat, and the agonizing struggle for survival. Many lost not only their homes and possessions but also loved ones, friends, and neighbors. The collective trauma has forged a unique bond among the survivors, a shared experience of loss that transcends individual circumstances.

The decision to allow residents to revisit the site, albeit under controlled conditions, has been met with a mixture of apprehension and a deep-seated need for closure. For some, it is an opportunity to gather any salvaged belongings, a tangible link to their past lives. For others, it is a chance to pay their respects to those who perished, to stand in the very spaces where their loved ones last breathed. The atmosphere during these visits is expected to be heavy with emotion, a silent testament to the lives lost and the resilience of those who remain.

Authorities have implemented strict safety protocols for these return visits, acknowledging the structural integrity concerns of the fire-damaged building. Security personnel and support staff are on-site to assist residents and ensure their well-being. The focus is on providing a safe and respectful environment for survivors to confront their memories and begin the process of moving forward.

The long-term implications of the Wang Fuk Court fire continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny. Investigations into the cause of the blaze and the adequacy of safety measures are ongoing. The community is awaiting answers and seeking accountability, hoping that lessons learned from this tragedy will prevent similar disasters in the future. Beyond the immediate grief, there is a growing imperative to address systemic issues related to fire safety in older residential buildings across the city.

As survivors navigate the painful terrain of their past, the community of Hong Kong stands in solidarity. The return to Wang Fuk Court, while steeped in sorrow, also represents a nascent step towards collective healing. It is a reminder of the fragility of life, the enduring strength of the human spirit, and the profound importance of remembrance as a cornerstone of rebuilding and resilience. The echoes of that fateful night will undoubtedly linger, but the courage of those who survived to face their memories offers a glimmer of hope for a future where healing can truly begin.


This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Ben McKenzie Says Crypto Has a Secret Ingredient: Male Loneliness

Related posts