These volunteers – mobilised mostly through social media and chat groups – moved the supplies contributed by individuals and businesses to where hundreds of affected residents were staying temporarily. Working tirelessly overnight, they divided the plaza next to the scene of disaster into zones and organised the items systematically.

Daily necessities of every kind could be found at the various booths. Clothing and pillows were folded neatly and sorted by size, and a recycling booth was also set up in the middle of the space, giving it a feel of a flea market. Pets were also not forgotten as a station packed to the gills with dog, cat and bird food opened up.

Some could not help but draw comparisons to 2019 when Hong Kong people suddenly decided to volunteer in droves. In recent years, after the city’s political changes, analysts wondered if civil society would weaken and citizens would retreat into their private lives.

The tragedy in Tai Po put paid to such worries.

After the blaze began unleashing its wrath on Wednesday afternoon and ravaged seven out of the eight blocks of Wang Fuk Court, Hong Kong residents mobilised themselves even as non-government groups also began activating their networks to offer help.