About 380 households from Hong Kong’s fire-ravaged housing estate in Tai Po have expressed a desire for a second visit to their homes to retrieve belongings, ahead of the first session starting from April 20, an official has said.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said on Sunday that dedicated social workers had notified more than 1,730 families from seven of the eight Wang Fuk Court towers about retrieving items between April 20 and May 4. Authorities expected 98 per cent of these families to attend the arranged sessions, he said.

Cheuk said about 380 households wished to return to their homes for a second time, adding that the government would have a clearer picture of the demand after concluding the first round of visits.

“The figure will be different after residents return and look at the actual situation of the buildings. If some find that the flats are heavily burnt without much to pack, they may not want a second visit,” Cheuk said.

“On the contrary, there is relatively more to pack at flats that are not directly affected by the fire. Naturally, residents will want another visit. That is not a problem.”

He added that families who had not raised their request earlier could also talk to their social workers, stressing that the government would actively make the necessary arrangements.