Hong Kong's Invisible Heroes: Foreign Domestic Helpers in the Face of Disaster

In the heart of Hong Kong, a tragic fire has brought to light the crucial role of the city's foreign domestic helpers. These workers, often from countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, are the unsung heroes who keep many households running smoothly. They cook, clean, and care for families, all while earning some of the lowest wages in one of the world's most expensive cities. Fita, an Indonesian domestic helper, shared her harrowing experience during the blaze. She tried to warn her employer about the fire, but her boss didn't believe her at first. The scene was chaotic, with people running around in confusion. Fita and her employer eventually escaped, but the memory of that night still haunts her. She's now praying for those who are still missing and trying to find out if her friends are safe. The fire has claimed the lives of 128 people, with 200 others still unaccounted for. Among the victims are some of the city's 368, 000 foreign domestic helpers. These workers often live with their employers in cramped spaces, making them particularly vulnerable in such disasters. The story of Rhodora Alcaraz, a Filipino domestic helper, highlights the bravery of these workers. She cradled her employers' 3-month-old baby in a wet blanket, protecting the infant from the smoke-filled room for several hours before firefighters rescued them. Alcaraz had only been in Hong Kong for a few days, but she showed incredible courage in the face of danger. At a sports center near the affected area, domestic workers and volunteers are sorting through supplies to aid evacuees. They are the backbone of the Hong Kong economy, yet they often go unnoticed. Social workers and volunteers are doing their best to find these workers and ensure they are safe. The fire has left many domestic workers traumatized and uncertain about their future. Some have even lost their jobs due to the financial strain on their employers. It's a double whammy for these workers, who are already dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.