Elderly in 90-square-foot subdivided flat endure extreme heat
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Red Cross on Saturday launched a “Heat Action Day” and took former Hong Kong Observatory officials into the community to inspect the heat stress faced by residents of inadequate housing in Yau Tsim Mong, an area it described as highly vulnerable to high temperatures. The visit highlighted the case of an elderly man in his 80s living in a 90-square-foot subdivided flat in Mong Kok, where poor ventilation and the need to keep windows shut because of nearby rat infestation have made summer conditions especially difficult. The charity said it has already distributed heat-relief supplies and subsidies to outdoor workers and families in inadequate housing, while rolling out a longer-term programme through February 2027 to strengthen community resilience against extreme heat. Former assistant observatory director Leung Wing-mo also suggested subdivided-flat residents could install a metal gate at the main door to improve airflow
Key Points
- The Red Cross said Yau Tsim Mong is a high-risk district for heat impacts, prompting chief executive Carol Lam Chuen-pang to join field visits with former observatory heads Shun Chi-ming and Lam Chiu-ying, plus former assistant director Leung Wing-mo
- An elderly resident, Chan, aged over 80, lives in a low-floor 90-square-foot subdivided flat in Mong Kok and keeps his windows closed long-term because of serious rat problems nearby
- At 11:30am, when the outdoor temperature reached 31 degrees Celsius, Chan’s room still measured 30 degrees, and he has no air conditioner installed
- Chan spends mornings at an elderly centre to cool down, returns home after 4pm when temperatures ease slightly, and uses a fan and cooling pad; during the record heat on August 9, he bathed and wiped himself down frequently
- As of August 14, the Red Cross had given 700 outdoor workers “summer work packs” for days of 33 degrees or above, and more than 250 inadequate-housing households smart wristbands plus HK$150 Octopus air-conditioning subsidies for nights of 28 degrees or above
Why It Matters
The case shows how extreme heat can become a health and housing issue at the same time for low-income residents, especially older people living in cramped flats with poor ventilation. It also points to growing pressure on charities, businesses and social welfare groups to build practical support networks as Hong Kong faces more frequent hot days and hot nights