Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1955-1956 — Page 24

of squatter fires showed that the preventive measures taken by Government were meeting with success. Most of the fires occurred in the last three months of 1955, at the beginning of the dry season. Two emergency teams of 15 officers each, one in Hong Kong and one in Kowloon, were formed to deal with the victims of any large fires. Being experienced, fully equipped and in a constant state of readiness, they were well able to cope with any emergencies that arose. The chief out- breaks were at Flower Market Village (500 huts destroyed), two in one week at Lo Fu Ngam Village (491 huts destroyed), and at Shamshuipo (180 huts destroyed). The casualties for the year were 7 dead and 18 injured, with over 5,000 families rendered homeless. Some 20,000 people were involved and they received over 1,000,000 free meals and nearly 70,000 shares of Dry Rations. (See Appendix XIV).

62. In connexion with emergency relief, mention must be made of the enthusiastic contribution of the Kaifong Welfare Associations who produced food, clothing and cash relief for over 18,000 fire victims. The British Red Cross Society and other voluntary organizations were also most helpful in dis- tributing clothing and blankets to the victims.

CHAPTER XII

CARE OF THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED

63. The year was one of great if not always visible progress in the care of handicapped people. The work has been ham- pered by shortage of staff and lack of statistics but some solid foundations have now been laid for future development. Until recently, all activities for the training of the physically handi- capped were undertaken by voluntary organizations. These received Government subventions, but only the deaf-mute and the blind came within their scope of work. However, with the opening of the Welfare Centre for the Physically Handicapped at Shap Long on the island of Lantao, Government was

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