全港同悲，寄託哀思。香港各界沉痛悼念在大埔火災中遇難的同胞，致敬感謝英勇犧牲的消防員。這是一種莊嚴表達，緬懷逝者，慰藉生者，凝聚起戰勝困難的全社會力量。
目前，全力救治傷者、照顧好受災居民生活，幫助他們擺脫災難陰影，早日重建家園，是接下來救災工作的重中之重。做好這些工作，需要特區政府的高效統籌，需要各部門積極落實到位，更需要社會各界團結一致、並肩前行。
在哀悼日第一天，行政長官李家超聯同特區政府主要官員、公務員團隊一起肅立默哀，沉痛哀悼宏福苑火災遇難者。與此同時，在政府總部外，一早就聚集了自發前來的大批市民。有70歲的市民6點多就乘港鐵跨區趕來，只想「盡一點心意」。連日來，在政府設立的全港18區弔唁處，在宏福苑附近的公園，人們排起長隊等待獻花，表達哀思。
人們更沒有忘記逆火前行、用生命護佑香港平安的消防隊員們。沙田消防局外，一張長桌上鋪滿了鮮花與手寫卡片。「豪師兄，落更了，一路好走！」寫給殉職消防員何偉豪的留言令人流淚。有母親帶着兩個年幼的兒子趕來送花，只為告訴他們「得到幫助，要懂得感謝」。除了消防員，在救災過程中，還有許許多多政府各部門的成員，他們爭分奪秒，加班加點，展現了高度負責的精神。
火災發生以來，特區政府始終站在第一線。行政長官帶領特區政府團隊迅速行動，全面部署，連日多次召開跨部門緊急會議，成立多個專門小組，各項舉措井然有序，高效落實，中樞指揮發揮了關鍵作用。
事實上，從全力滅火、組織救援，到支援善後及全面調查和檢討，特區政府是組織者也是主要執行者，也理應成為受災居民的依靠和主心骨。支持政府推進相關工作，既是應對災情的必要，也是情理所在。正如日前「港澳平」文章所說，行政長官和特區政府對事故的快速有力響應和積極有效處置，充分體現作為「當家人」、「第一責任人」的擔當和勇毅。應當看到，眼前工作千頭萬緒，但確定了大方向，就要全力推進，唯有如此才能有效回應居民的關切，才能更好推動香港向前行。
值得警惕的是，大災之下也有沉渣泛起，極少數反中亂港分子有蠢蠢欲動之勢，通過散播虛假信息，惡意攻擊特區政府救援工作，挑動社會分化對立，企圖達到「以災亂港」的罪惡目的。
目前火災救援雖然已經初步完成，但是距離受災居民走出創傷，重返家園，仍然任重道遠，善後工作正是吃勁的時候。特區政府正全力以赴統籌各方力量安置受災居民，為相關家庭和居民提供物資、資金和政策支持。針對火災原因的跨部門調查專組已經成立，預防火災的相關巡查也在全港展開。關鍵時刻，更需要香港各界繼續團結一致，齊心協力支持政府高效推進善後安撫工作，幫助受災市民早日過上安全穩定的生活。
節錄自《大公報》 2025年12月1日社評
Swift Rescue Effort Followed by Efficient Post-Disaster Support
Hong Kong has been engulfed in collective sorrow as the city mourns the victims of the devastating fire in Tai Po. Across all sectors of society, tributes flow not only for those who tragically lost their lives, but also for the firefighters whose courage and sacrifice embody the highest ideals of public duty. These solemn gestures are far more than ritual; they honour the deceased, comfort the survivors, and forge a shared sense of resolve essential to confronting adversity together.
At this juncture, the foremost imperative is unequivocal: to provide the injured with the best possible medical care, ensure that displaced residents are properly supported, and help them recover from the psychological shadows of the disaster. The reconstruction of homes and restoration of normalcy demand an orchestrated response — one that hinges on the HKSAR Government's ability to coordinate swiftly, departments' capacity to implement measures decisively, and society's willingness to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity.
On the first day of mourning, Chief Executive John Lee, accompanied by principal officials and the civil service leadership, observed a silent tribute to those who perished in the Wang Fuk Court blaze. Outside Government Headquarters, crowds gathered from early morning — some elderly residents travelling across districts before sunrise simply to "express a heartfelt gesture." In all 18 designated condolence points, and in parks near the affected estate, long lines of residents queued patiently to lay flowers and articulate their grief.
The city has also not forgotten the firefighters who ran towards the flames in defence of Hong Kong's safety. Outside the Shatin Fire Station, tables were covered with an outpouring of flowers and handwritten notes. One message addressed to the fallen firefighter Ho Wai-ho — "Brother Ho, your shift is over. Rest in peace." — brought many to tears. A mother accompanied her two young sons to pay respects, emphasizing to them the importance of gratitude whenever help is received. Beyond the fire services, members of numerous government departments worked around the clock during the emergency, displaying a level of diligence and responsibility that deserves equal recognition.
From the moment the fire broke out, the HKSAR Government has remained firmly at the forefront. The Chief Executive convened multiple cross-departmental emergency meetings, established task forces, and directed a broad spectrum of relief operations with speed, structure and precision. This coherent, centrally coordinated response proved indispensable to stabilizing the situation.
Indeed, whether extinguishing the fire, organizing rescue efforts, or undertaking relief, investigation, and review, the government has rightly served as both organizer and executor — and must continue to be the anchor of support for the affected community. Public backing for these efforts is not merely appropriate; it is essential for an effective and humane disaster response. As noted in a recent Gang Ao Ping column article, the chief executive and the HKSAR government demonstrated the responsibility and resolve expected of those "in the driver's seat" and "the first to be held accountable" through their swift, forceful response and effective handling of the incident.There remains a daunting volume of work ahead, but with the overall direction now established, the only viable course is to press forward with unwavering determination. Only through such resolve can the government address public concerns, rebuild trust, and guide Hong Kong towards recovery.
Yet it is troubling that even during a time of collective grief, a minority of anti-government elements attempt to exploit the tragedy. By spreading misinformation and attacking the rescue efforts, they seek to sow division and achieve the malicious objective of "creating chaos through disaster." Such behaviour must be clearly recognized and firmly rejected.
Although the emergency phase of the rescue has concluded, helping residents heal from trauma and return to normal life remains a long and demanding process. The HKSAR Government is now mobilizing all resources to provide temporary housing, financial and material support, and policy assistance to affected families. A cross-departmental investigation team has been established to ascertain the precise cause of the fire, and enhanced citywide fire-safety inspections are already under way.
At this critical juncture, unity is paramount. Hong Kong must remain steadfast in supporting the government's follow-up and relief efforts, ensuring that the affected residents can rebuild their lives, regain safety and stability as soon as possible.
常用詞彙
•Engulfed（籠罩、吞沒v.）
常見情境應用
1）形容某場災難或突發事件對社會、城市的巨大影響
例句：The entire region was engulfed by the aftermath of the hurricane, leaving thousands displaced and in urgent need of aid.
（整個地區被颶風的後果吞噬，數千人無家可歸，急需援助。）
2）描述某人或某集體面對困難或情緒壓力時的情境
例句：The community was engulfed in sorrow, with residents mourning the victims of the tragic incident.
（社區陷入悲痛，居民們為悲劇中的受害者哀悼。）
3）形容突如其來的現象徹底改變了某個地方或情況
例句：The pandemic has engulfed the world, bringing economies and societies to a standstill.
（疫情席捲全球，讓各國經濟與社會陷入停滯。）
•Orchestrated（有組織、有系統地安排v.）
常見情境應用
1）形容政府或組織如何精心策劃並執行重要任務
例句：The government orchestrated a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about climate change.
（政府精心策劃了一個全國性的運動，提升公眾對氣候變化的認識。）
2）團隊協作與協調
例句：The rescue operation was orchestrated with precision, involving multiple agencies working together seamlessly.
（這次救援行動經過精心協調，涉及多個機構的無縫合作。）
3）事件的計劃與管理
例句：The media coverage of the event was orchestrated to ensure maximum exposure and public engagement.
（該事件的媒體報道經過精心策劃，以確保最大的曝光度和公眾參與。）
•Daunting（可怕的、令人膽怯的adj.）
常見情境應用
1）形容對接獲新工作的感覺
例句：Starting a new job can be a daunting prospect.
（開始新工作可說讓人望而卻步。）
2）形容任務完成得綽綽有餘，旁觀者卻替你勞累
例句：She has the daunting task of proofreading for 200000 words every day.
（她每天得校對200000字，真是一項可怕的任務。）
片語
文中原句：A recent article on Hong Kong and Macao Work Office noted, the chief executive and the HKSAR government demonstrated the responsibility and resolve expected of those "in the driver's seat" and "the first to be held accountable" through their swift, forceful response and effective handling of the incident.
1.expected of 的含義
•（某特質）是某角色應該有的／人們對他們的期望
2.寫作議題應用
•責任（政府、企業、教師、家長）
•公共危機
•領導力
•公民素質
•社會期待
3.範文句子參考
【學校教育】
Teachers today face pressure to meet not only academic demands but also the broader social expectations expected of those shaping the next generation.
【公民素質】
The incident reignited debate over whether the public is demonstrating the civic awareness expected of members of a mature and informed society.
