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الوسم: Hong Kong

  • Hong Kong’s Worst Fire in Decades Claims 94 Lives, Many Missing

    Hong Kong’s Worst Fire in Decades Claims 94 Lives, Many Missing

    Families of the many individuals still unaccounted for after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades searched hospitals on Friday, while firefighters worked through the remaining apartments of the burning housing complex. The toll has risen to at least 94 fatalities.

    The fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court in the northern Tai Po district on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly spreading across its eight buildings and inflicting flames that burned fiercely for over 36 hours.

    Authorities are now investigating the cause of the blaze, including the role of bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh used during extensive renovations around the buildings.

    On Friday, workers removed black body bags from the scorched apartments, with an AFP reporter witnessing four in just a 15-minute span. Meanwhile, multiple bodies were delivered to a Sha Tin mortuary, with families expected to arrive later in the day for identification.

    The number of missing persons remains unknown, as no updates have been issued since early Thursday. At Sha Tin hospital, Wong, a woman in her late 30s, searched for her sister-in-law and her twin sister, both of whom are still unaccounted for.

    “We still haven’t located them, so we’re visiting different hospitals to see if we get any good news,” Wong said tearfully. “We were waiting at Prince of Wales Hospital on the first day, but there was no word. We came back again yesterday.”

    As of Friday, over 50 people were hospitalized, with 12 in critical condition and 28 in serious condition. Wong noted that the last contact with the twins was less than an hour before the fire broke out on Wednesday.

    A 77-year-old eyewitness, surnamed Mui, recalled seeing one building engulfed in flames that quickly spread to two more, describing how rapidly it escalated. “It was very fast — burning red. I shudder just thinking about it,” he said.

    Firefighters reported that they were responding to 25 remaining rescue requests and planned to break into all apartments of the estate by early Friday morning. Some smoke persisted, but officials assured that the blaze was contained to about 2,000 units within the sprawling complex.

    This disaster marks the deadliest fire since 1948, when an explosion and subsequent blaze claimed over 135 lives. Although Hong Kong once faced frequent deadly fires, particularly in poorer neighborhoods, improved safety standards have since significantly reduced such incidents.

    The city’s anti-corruption agency announced a probe into renovation activities at Wang Fuk Court, just hours after police detained three men suspected of negligently leaving foam packaging at the scene.

    Residents revealed that no fire alarms sounded, forcing neighbors to alert each other door-to-door as the flames spread. Following the tragedy, authorities committed to inspecting all major renovation projects in housing estates with urgency. City officials emphasized the need to replace bamboo scaffolding with safer materials.

    The confirmed death toll includes a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian migrant domestic workers. In response, the government announced a HK$300 million ($38.5 million) fund to support victims. Seven shelters have been established, and assistance with housing and emergency aid is underway for those displaced.

    Furthermore, activities related to the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for December 7 have been put on hold as the city responds to this crisis.

  • Deadly Hong Kong Fire Claims At Least 75 Lives, Dozens Missing

    Deadly Hong Kong Fire Claims At Least 75 Lives, Dozens Missing

    Several residential high-rise towers were engulfed in flames. Firefighters are struggling to reach residents who may be trapped inside. Authorities indicate that foam and scaffolding mesh might have played a role in the fire’s spread.

    Hong Kong officials announced on Thursday that the death toll has risen to at least 75 in the city’s most devastating fire in decades. Fire crews continue to search through charred high-rise buildings at an apartment complex for numerous missing individuals. The flames were still visible in some of the estate’s nearly 2,000 units more than 24 hours after the fire started, with firefighters still spraying water on the blackened exteriors.

    Investigations into the cause of the fire—Hong Kong’s worst in nearly 80 years—are underway. Officials are examining whether bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh used in extensive renovations around the estate contributed to the disaster. The city’s anti-corruption agency has launched a probe into the renovation activities, following the arrest of three men suspected of negligently leaving foam packaging at the scene.

    Residents of Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district reported that they did not hear any fire alarms and had to notify neighbors door-to-door. “The fire spread so quickly. I saw one hose trying to save several buildings, but it was far too slow,” said a man surnamed Suen. “We were ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, and alerting everyone to evacuate—that’s what the scene was like.”

    By Thursday afternoon, fire officials announced that four of the eight apartment buildings had their fires extinguished, with three others now under control. One building was unaffected.

    Pope Leo expressed his condolences, issuing a statement to send “spiritual solidarity to all those suffering,” especially the injured and grieving families.

    As of 8 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), 65 people had been confirmed dead, including a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian migrant domestic workers. This incident marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when explosions and subsequent fires killed 135 people.

    The number of missing persons remains high; early Thursday, city leader John Lee stated 279 people were unaccounted for. However, firefighters later reported that some of those individuals have been contacted. No updated figures have been provided since.

    At a nearby community center, authorities displayed photos of victims pulled from the wreckage for identification. “If the faces are unrecognizable, we have personal items to help identify them,” said a woman surnamed Cheung, searching for relatives. “I can’t describe my feelings. There were children… I just can’t find the words.”

    A government spokesperson reported that, among hospital patients, 12 are in critical condition, 29 are serious, and 17 are stable. Fires of this severity were once common in Hong Kong, especially in poorer neighborhoods, but improved safety protocols have greatly reduced their frequency.

    Following the disaster, Hong Kong officials announced immediate inspections of all large-scale renovation projects on housing estates. City leader Lee emphasized the importance of transitioning to metal scaffolding, stating the government would work with the construction industry to accelerate this process.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping offered condolences, with state media noting that Beijing would provide assistance such as drones and medical supplies. The government is also organizing temporary housing and emergency funds for displaced residents. Activities related to Hong Kong’s upcoming legislative elections, scheduled for December 7, have been suspended.

    Late Wednesday, scenes of destruction included charred scaffolding collapsing and flames erupting from windows into the night sky. Wind and debris are believed to have contributed to the fire spreading across multiple buildings. Over 900 residents sought shelter in temporary accommodations overnight. Some evacuees were allowed to return home Thursday afternoon, and volunteers distributed clothing, meals, and information about missing persons.

    In the aftermath, the community gathered near the complex in a spontaneous effort to support displaced residents and firefighters, demonstrating the city’s resilient spirit. “It’s truly touching. When one of us is in trouble, everyone offers help… It shows the kindness of Hong Kong people,” said Stone Ngai, one of the aid organizers.

  • Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades Claims 65 Lives, Many Missing

    Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades Claims 65 Lives, Many Missing

    Several residential high-rise towers were heavily damaged by fire. Firefighters are working tirelessly to reach residents who may be trapped inside. Authorities suggest that foam and scaffolding netting might have played a role in the incident.

    Hong Kong officials announced on Thursday that the death toll from the city’s deadliest fire in decades has risen to 65. Rescue teams have been searching the charred high-rise apartments at a complex where more than 250 individuals remain missing. Even after more than 24 hours, flames could still be seen in some of the nearly 2,000 units across eight buildings in the housing estate, as crews continue to spray water over blackened walls.

    Investigations into the cause of this devastating fire are underway. Authorities are examining factors including the presence of bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh used in renovations across the entire estate. The city’s anti-corruption agency has launched a probe into the renovation activities at the complex. Meanwhile, police reported the arrest of three men suspected of negligently leaving foam packaging at the scene.

    Residents of Wang Fuk Court, located in Tai Po’s northern district, told AFP that they did not hear any fire alarms and had to go door-to-door to alert neighbors of the danger. One resident, identified only by the surname Suen, described the rapid spread of the flames: “The fire spread so quickly. I saw one hose trying to contain it, but it was too slow.” He added, “We knocked on doors and rang doorbells to warn everyone to evacuate—I felt it was just too late.”

    By Thursday afternoon, firefighters had managed to extinguish the fires in four of the eight apartment blocks, with three others still under control. One building remained unaffected.

    As of 8 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), the confirmed death count stood at 65, including a 37-year-old firefighter and two Indonesian migrant domestic workers. This marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when an explosion and subsequent fire resulted in 135 fatalities. The number of missing persons, initially reported as 279 by city leader John Lee, has since been clarified by firefighters to include contacts with some individuals, though official updates have not been issued.

    At a nearby community center, police displayed photographs of victims for identification, with one woman surnamed Cheung sharing her grief: “If the faces are unrecognizable, we have personal items to help identify them. I am overwhelmed—I can’t even put my feelings into words. There were children involved. It’s just unimaginable.”

    A government spokesperson relayed that, as of Thursday evening, 12 individuals remained in critical condition, 29 are seriously ill, and 17 are stable. Fires of this severity had previously been more common in poorer areas of Hong Kong but have become less frequent thanks to improved safety protocols.

    In response to the tragedy, authorities plan immediate inspections of all housing estates undergoing major renovations. City leader Lee emphasized the urgent need to shift entirely to metal scaffolding, promising collaboration with the construction sector. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences, with the Hong Kong government stating that assistance, including drones and medical supplies, would be provided.

    The city is also organizing temporary accommodations and emergency financial aid for those affected. Activities related to the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for December 7 have been suspended.

    Scenes from Wednesday night showcased terrifying images of charred scaffolding falling from the buildings, with flames still streaking through some windows. Wind and debris likely contributed to the fire spreading between structures. More than 900 residents sought refuge at temporary shelters overnight, some of whom returned to their homes Thursday afternoon after evacuation precautions.

    Community members gathered near the complex, distributing clothing, meals, and flyers in an effort to locate missing loved ones and support first responders. Stone Ngai, one of the volunteers, expressed a community spirit: “Hong Kong people are incredibly supportive during tough times. It’s truly moving—our city’s kindness shines through during this tragedy.”

  • Hong Kong Fire Claims 55 Lives; Hundreds Missing, Police Target Construction Firm

    Hong Kong Fire Claims 55 Lives; Hundreds Missing, Police Target Construction Firm

    Multiple high-rise apartments in Hong Kong caught fire, resulting in at least 55 deaths and nearly 300 people reported missing. The blaze, which started in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, appears to have been caused by a construction company that allegedly used unsafe materials—an act described by police as “grossly negligent.” Efforts to reach residents trapped on the upper floors have been hampered by severe heat and dense smoke, even more than 24 hours after the fire ignited. The densely packed complex in Tai Po features eight blocks with over 2,000 apartments housing more than 4,600 residents, many of whom are struggling with the ongoing crisis.

    A resident named Wan, age 51, expressed devastation, noting they’ve lost everything in the fire and questioning what is left for them. Ng, a 52-year-old woman, was distraught while searching for her daughter outside a shelter, tearfully recounting how her family still hasn’t been able to reunite. Video from the scene showed flames emanating from two of the towers, which were covered in green safety mesh and bamboo scaffolding. Despite the efforts, the fire remains active, with authorities managing to control four of the seven affected buildings.

    Bamboo scaffolding, a traditional Chinese construction method, has been increasingly phased out in Hong Kong for safety reasons, but it remains in use, especially during ongoing renovations. Authorities raided the management company’s offices and seized documents mentioning the complex, though the company hasn’t responded publicly. Police have arrested three individuals—two directors and an engineering consultant—for manslaughter, suspecting gross negligence contributed to the disaster.

    Investigations revealed that some building windows had been sealed with foam during maintenance, possibly worsening the fire’s spread. Among the casualties, a firefighter is confirmed dead, and over 50 others are hospitalized in critical condition. Almost 280 individuals remain unaccounted for. The incident marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948, when a warehouse blaze claimed 176 lives.

    People from Indonesia working on-site have reported two fatalities and two injuries. Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation, including into possible corruption related to the building’s renovation. The fire has drawn comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster in London, which was also linked to flammable exterior cladding and regulatory failures. Many residents and observers have criticized cost-cutting measures and negligence that may have contributed to this tragedy.

    President Xi Jinping of China has called for an “all-out effort” to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties. Road closures, bus reroutes, and school shutdowns are in effect while the response continues. The complex has been undergoing renovations costing around HK$330 million (roughly $42 million), with residents paying significant amounts for upgrades. The incident has prompted wide public outrage and demands for accountability.

  • Major Fire Sweeps Hong Kong Homes, 13 Lives Lost

    Major Fire Sweeps Hong Kong Homes, 13 Lives Lost

    A significant fire erupted across multiple high-rise apartment buildings in a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, resulting in at least 13 fatalities. Reports indicate that some residents remained trapped inside as flames rapidly spread. The fire initially ignited on bamboo scaffolding surrounding several units within the Wang Fuk Court estate, then quickly engulfed other parts of the structures.

    Witnesses describe hearing loud cracking sounds—likely from the burning bamboo—as dense smoke pour from at least five of the estate’s eight buildings, with flames and ash soaring into the sky. Nearby residents expressed despair, with one person surnamed So, age 57, stating, “There’s nothing we can do about the property. We can only hope everyone, regardless of age, gets out safely.” The community remains concerned about those still inside, as the fire shows no signs of slowing down after nightfall, casting an ominous orange hue over the surrounding buildings.

    Authorities reported that they had received multiple calls about residents trapped inside. Officials at the scene told AFP anonymously that they couldn’t confirm if anyone was still stuck inside by nightfall because firefighters hadn’t been able to enter the buildings. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department announced that 13 people had died—nine at the scene and four later pronounced dead after hospital transport—and that 15 others were injured, with two in critical condition. Firefighter Andy Yeung explained that a 37-year-old firefighter who had lost contact for about 30 minutes was found with facial burns and was declared dead after being hospitalized.

    As the fire raged into the night, a five-alarm alert—the highest possible level—was issued. A resident in his 40s voiced the community’s need for government assistance, saying, “The fire isn’t under control yet, and I’m afraid to leave. I don’t know what I can do right now.” Nearby, police began evacuating two additional buildings in a separate local estate. Emergency services established a hotline for casualties and set up two temporary shelters in community centers for displaced residents. Road sections close to the fire were also shut down to facilitate firefighting efforts.

    The Fire Services Department urged residents nearby to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut, and remain calm, while advising the public to avoid the affected area. Earlier incidents involved a separate scaffolding fire in Hong Kong’s Central Business District, which resulted in four hospitalizations. Hong Kong’s densely populated urban landscape is famous for its high-rise living; however, such deadly fires, once common, have become less frequent due to stricter safety regulations over recent decades. Nonetheless, scaffolding-related fires remain a concern, with the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims pointing out similar incidents in recent months.

    Authorities have yet to release an official explanation for the cause of the recent blaze.

  • Cargo Planes Slides Off Runway in Hong Kong, 2 Staff Killed

    Cargo Planes Slides Off Runway in Hong Kong, 2 Staff Killed

    A cargo plane associated with Turkish freight carrier ACT Airlines, operating on behalf of Emirates, veered off the runway during landing at Hong Kong International Airport, resulting in a collision with a security patrol vehicle that was subsequently pushed into the sea. The incident occurred early Monday morning and is the deadliest airport accident in Hong Kong in over 25 years. The Boeing 747 aircraft, which was partially submerged after falling into the water, was operated by ACT Airlines and had sustained damage upon landing. All four crew members aboard managed to escape, but two security personnel who responded to the scene lost their lives; one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other later died at the hospital.

    The security staff were not on the runway when the plane’s unexpected left turn caused it to strike their patrol vehicle, which was patrolling outside the runway fence along a designated road. According to airport officials, the patrol car was operating normally and not rushing onto the runway when the crash happened. The aircraft’s pilot was clear about their landing plans for runway 07L, with no technical issues reported during the approach, although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Weather conditions, runway status, aircraft condition, and crew actions are all being examined.

    The accident took place around 3:50 a.m. local Hong Kong time (7:50 p.m. GMT on Sunday). An air traffic control recording reviewed by Reuters revealed that the pilot confirmed their intention to land on the north runway but did not indicate any problems. Moments later, a controller mentioned an incident at the airfield. Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority confirmed the flight was directed to land on the north runway, and no distress signals were received from the pilot.

    Despite the crash, scheduled flights at Hong Kong airport are unaffected, and the north runway, where the incident occurred, is expected to reopen after safety inspections are completed. Photos show the aircraft, painted with AirACT livery, partially submerged near the sea wall, with its nose and tail sections separated and an emergency slide deployed. The Civil Aviation Department stated that the aircraft deviated from the runway after landing and ended up in the sea.

    Emirates reported that flight EK9788 experienced damage on landing and clarified that the aircraft was a Boeing 747 cargo plane leased from ACT Airlines, with no cargo onboard and the crew safe. Boeing has not yet issued a comment. ACT Airlines, based in Turkey, provides additional cargo capacity for major airlines but has not responded to request for comment outside of normal business hours.

    Flight tracking data shows the aircraft was 32 years old and had previously operated as a passenger plane before being converted into a freighter. Airport authorities expressed their support and indicated they would assist the families of the deceased staff, who had been working at the airport for seven and twelve years respectively. This crash marks the deadliest aviation accident in Hong Kong since a 1999 China Airlines crash that resulted in three fatalities among the 315 onboard.

  • Hong Kong Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa Amid Closures

    Hong Kong Prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa Amid Closures

    Hong Kong prepares for Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most intense tropical storm of the year. Schools and some businesses have closed, and roughly 700 flights have been canceled, with many more expected to be disrupted as the day progresses until early Thursday.

    Ragasa, with maximum sustained winds of 137 mph (220 km/h), is moving closer to the southern coast of China’s Guangdong province, according to the Hong Kong Observatory. The city is expected to raise the typhoon signal to level 8, its third-highest alert, by around 2:20 pm, leading to shutdowns across most businesses and transportation services.

    The observatory is monitoring whether an even higher warning will be necessary later today or early tomorrow. Ragasa made landfall in the northern Philippines on Monday, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order full alert status and mobilization of all government disaster response units.

    Offshore and mountainous areas in Hong Kong are forecasted to experience hurricane-force winds on Wednesday, accompanied by heavy rain that could lead to dangerous storm surges. The city’s sea levels are anticipated to rise by approximately two meters (six feet), with certain locations potentially reaching 4-5 meters (12-15 feet). Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions.

    Residents in Hong Kong have been preparing by distributing sandbags for low-lying homes, with many individuals stocking up on essentials. Supermarkets saw long lines, with milk and meat selling out quickly and vegetable prices tripling at markets.

    The Hong Kong Stock Exchange plans to stay open, having adopted a policy late last year to continue trading despite severe weather conditions. Meanwhile, authorities in several southern Chinese provinces have implemented flood control measures, warning of heavy rain starting late Tuesday.

    Macau, the world’s largest gambling hub, is also bracing for impact, with schools closed and evacuation plans set in motion. Shenzhen has prepared over 800 emergency shelters.

    In Taiwan, over 7,600 people have been evacuated from mountainous southern and eastern regions, though transportation disruptions have persisted into a second day with cancellations totaling 273 flights and some rail services suspended.

  • Hong Kong to Evacuate 6,000 Over WWII Bomb Discovery

    Hong Kong to Evacuate 6,000 Over WWII Bomb Discovery

    On Friday, authorities in Hong Kong arranged to evacuate thousands of residents after an unexploded World War II bomb was uncovered at a construction site. The bomb was approximately 4.9 feet long and weighed around 1,000 pounds. Officials believe it was still “fully functional,” posing significant danger.

    Hong Kong Police District Commander Andy Chan explained, “Because of the extreme danger involved in safely dismantling and removing the bomb, we have activated the emergency evacuation plan.” About 6,000 residents from 18 apartment buildings in the Quarry Bay neighborhood are set to be evacuated overnight, with removal work scheduled to start early Saturday.

    Historically, Hong Kong was among the initial targets during Japan’s wartime expansion in the early 20th century. The region endured intense combat between Japanese forces and Allied troops, leading to the ongoing discovery of unexploded ordnance nearly a century later. In 2018, a similar bomb was found in Wan Chai, prompting the evacuation of 1,200 residents. The dismantling of that device took approximately 20 hours.

    The bomb detected this week matches the type previously found in 2018, and similar disposal operations have become a routine part of maintaining safety in the area.

  • Air India Dreamliner Makes Emergency Landing in Hong Kong

    Air India Dreamliner Makes Emergency Landing in Hong Kong

    Air India passenger aircraft on the runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India, February 14, 2023.

    NEW DELHI: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner scheduled to fly to New Delhi returned to Hong Kong on Monday due to concerns over a potential technical issue detected by the pilot mid-flight, according to a source familiar with the situation.

    This incident follows a recent tragedy when another Air India flight—also utilizing the same Boeing model—crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, leading to the deaths of 241 out of the 242 people on board.

    The aircraft operating flight AI315 from Hong Kong is currently undergoing inspections, as stated by the informed source.

    Flight AI315 departed from Hong Kong at 12:16 PM and landed back just over an hour later, based on flight tracking data from Flightradar24.

    Boeing and Air India have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding this particular flight from Hong Kong to New Delhi.

  • ‘Japan Megaquake Myths Frighten Tourists in Hong Kong’

    ‘Japan Megaquake Myths Frighten Tourists in Hong Kong’

    Online Rumors Impacting Travel to Japan

    HONG KONG: Recently, unfounded online rumors suggesting an imminent major earthquake in Japan have negatively affected travel agencies and airlines, with many in Hong Kong expressing hesitance about traveling. In 2024, residents from Hong Kong made approximately 2.7 million trips to Japan.

    Although predicting earthquakes is inherently uncertain, anxiety-inducing speculation has gained traction among Hong Kong residents. Some misinformation has referenced a 2021 manga that supposedly forecasts a significant disaster in July 2025 based on the author’s dream. Other social media posts have provided varying predictions, and a Facebook group dedicated to forecasting disasters in Japan has amassed over 250,000 members, predominantly from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

    "The fear surrounding these earthquake predictions has drastically altered our customers’ preferences," said Frankie Chow, the head of CLS Holiday, a travel agency in Hong Kong. He reported that inquiries about trips to Japan plummeted by 70-80% in March and April compared to the previous year. “I’ve never seen this kind of response before,” he added, noting that his booking site, Flyagain.la, experienced similar trends. While some travelers opted for different destinations, others simply "didn’t dare to travel," Chow explained.

    In Japan, minor to moderate earthquakes are frequent due to stringent building regulations that minimize damage. However, the nation has experienced devastating events, including the major 2011 earthquake that triggered a tsunami, resulting in nearly 18,500 people dead or missing and a catastrophic nuclear accident at Fukushima.

    Unlike Japan, earthquakes are very rare in Hong Kong, yet rumors can easily unsettle locals.

    Clarification from Authorities

    In response to rising concerns, Tokyo’s Cabinet Office recently posted on social media platform X, stating, "Currently, it is not possible to predict earthquakes by specific dates or locations based on scientific knowledge." A Cabinet official confirmed that this post was part of routine efforts to inform the public about earthquake risks, particularly following an updated forecast from a government panel in January regarding a "megaquake."

    The panel had estimated a 75-82% chance of a significant earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years. A subsequent estimate from March projected that a megaquake could lead to 298,000 fatalities in Japan. Despite being a routine update, this figure has intensified fears among potential tourists.

    One viral YouTube video featuring a feng shui master advising against traveling to Japan has garnered over 100,000 views.

    Don Hon, a 32-year-old social worker in Hong Kong, remains skeptical of the online claims; however, he admits they have affected his travel plans. "I’ll take precautions and hold off on planning a trip to Japan," he said, adding he might suggest alternative destinations if a friend proposed visiting in July.

    Travel Impacts

    Greater Bay Airlines, based in Hong Kong, has responded to the decline in demand by scaling back flights to Tokushima in southern Japan. A local tourism official mentioned, "They reported a swift decrease in bookings amid rumors about a significant quake and tsunami this summer." From May 12 to October 25, weekly round-trip flights will drop from three to two. The airline is also reducing services to Sendai in the Miyagi region.

    Miyagi’s governor, Yoshihiro Murai, reassured travelers that "there’s no reason to worry," emphasizing that locals are not overly concerned. However, he acknowledged that misinformation on social media could severely affect tourism.

    According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of visitors from Hong Kong fell to 208,400 in March, marking a nearly 10% year-on-year decrease—partly attributed to Easter holidays falling in mid-April this year.

    In contrast, EGL Tours reported stable travel numbers to Japan, though recent hotel bookings have shown a drop among Hong Kong guests versus international travelers. "If these predictions do not materialize, people will eventually realize the truth," said Steve Huen Kwok-chuen, the executive director of EGL Tours.

  • Experience Tomorrow: Hong Kong Fintech Week Insights Await!

    Experience Tomorrow: Hong Kong Fintech Week Insights Await!

    Asia’s leading fintech event is set to reveal what the future holds for finance.

    The Hong Kong Fintech Week (HKFW), happening from October 28 to November 1, 2024, will feature the theme “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech.” This marks the ninth edition of the event, and it is anticipated to draw larger crowds than ever.

    This year, around 30,000 professionals from over 100 countries are expected to participate, experiencing the cutting-edge developments in fintech. As in previous years, HKFW 2024 will feature exhibitions, insightful discussions, and cross-industry partnerships, creating a vibrant hub of innovative ideas.

    This year’s event coincides with Hong Kong’s revival as a leading global fintech center. The city has risen to the third position in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), securing its place among the top 10 global fintech hubs.

  • China Resources in Talks to Purchase K11 Art Mall for RMB 9 Billion

    China Resources in Talks to Purchase K11 Art Mall for RMB 9 Billion

    K11 ART MALL, located at No. 18 Hanoi Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, is a well-curated shopping destination integrating culture and art. The mall features flagship stores offering trendy clothing, leather goods, and cosmetics, along with stalls and spaces for charity groups and university students selling unique handicrafts and creative products, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.

    Approximately 340,000 Square Feet with Expected Returns Over 5%

    According to sources, China Resources Longdi has bid around NT$9 billion for the mall. With a project area of 335,900 square feet, this equates to an average price of about NT$26,800 per square foot. If the mall’s monthly rent exceeds NT$40 million, the return is anticipated to be more than 5%.

    k11 art mall in hong kong

    “Sing Tao” reached out to China Resources Longdi for comment but received no response by the deadline. Market observers suggest that China Resources Longdi is optimistic about the Hong Kong market and, due to its strong position, is one of the few major players actively seeking shopping mall acquisitions.

    The K11 mall spans seven floors, including two basement levels and five ground floors, with additional parking spaces on two levels. The shopping areas cover floors from B2 to L4, with vehicle access and parking located on B3 and B4. The mall officially opened in December 2009.

    Negotiations for Swire’s Property

    In addition to K11, China Resources Longdi is also in talks to acquire a Swire property located east of Cityplaza. This property, comprising about 100,000 square feet across the ground and first floors, is considered non-core by Swire. The purchase is expected to yield a return of over 6%. Swire Properties declined to comment on market rumors when contacted.

    Moreover, last month Savills reported that China Resources Longdi purchased the retail podium and parking lot at No. 29 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, for approximately NT$540 million. Previously owned by Lai Sun and Imperial, the property spans about 102,500 square feet and includes 154 parking spaces. Additionally, China Resources Longdi acquired the KF88 Kwai Fong Hui retail store for NT$310 million in January, with a current occupancy rate close to 90% and a rental return rate of 6%.

    In March of this year, New World announced the sale of its 100% stake in the Discovery Park shopping mall in Tsuen Wan, including parking spaces, to Chinachem Group for NT$4.02 billion. This deal marks the largest single shopping mall transaction in Hong Kong since 2017. Through this sale, New World generated over 1.2 billion yuan, achieving half of its goal to sell 8 billion yuan in non-core assets for the fiscal year. This move is expected to aid in reducing the company’s debt.

    After New World listed the mall for sale in mid-2022, the main contenders were China Resources Longdi and Chinachem. Ultimately, Chinachem won the bid with the higher offer.

  • Google Bans The Revolution of Our Times Game About Hong Kong Protests

    Many tech companies are getting involved in the Hong Kong protests and it is getting even more complicated.

    (المزيد…)