35 Indonesian Citizens Are Not Yet Known, The Indonesian Consulate General In Hong Kong Continues To Coordinate

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. (VOI / Fauzi)

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Hong Kong continues to coordinate with local authorities regarding the severe fires that hit the Wang Fuk Court Complex, Tai Po last week.

"The estimated number of Indonesian citizens living in apartment complexes is 140 people. A total of 95 survived, nine verified died, one was treated at the hospital and 35 unknown abouts," wrote the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong in his statement, Monday (1/12).

"The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong continues to coordinate with local authorities to make the best efforts to repatriate the bodies and rights of victims," added the Indonesian Consulate General.

It is known that the fire incident in seven apartment buildings in the Wang Fuk Court residential area, Tai Po, Hong Kong, was detected last Wednesday, ahead of 15:00 local time with rapid escalation reaching the highest level of warning in Hong Kong "No. 5 alarms" at 18:22 local time.

Previously reported, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong moved quickly to open an emergency post at the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong since Wednesday night. The Indonesian Consulate General also moved quickly to coordinate with local authorities to obtain access to information on affected Indonesian citizens/Indonesian Migrant Workers.

"After obtaining permission from the local authorities, since Thursday (27/11) morning sending a team to the field to identify and verify the affected Indonesian citizens/PMI, as well as the distribution of necessary logistical assistance, such as; food, drinks and sanitary packs," explained the Indonesian Consulate General.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong then also established an emergency post at Tai Po Community as soon as he received clearance from the Hong Kong Government and Tai Po District Office on Friday.

"The function is to identify and verify the affected Indonesian citizens/PMI; distribution of necessary logistical assistance; in terms of loss of Indonesian Passports, carry out initial facilitation for re-issuance, and other assistance that may be carried out in accordance with applicable local safety, law and regulations protocols," explained the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong.

In addition, the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong also established communication with public nodes to capture information on the whereabouts and condition of Indonesian citizens/PMIs who may be affected.

To date, the death toll from the incident has reached 146 people, while 79 others were seriously injured.

Local authorities are still making efforts to search for victims. The Hong Kong government warned that the death toll would continue to grow as the search and identification of ongoing casualties.