Ron Church

This will be the first time in nearly five months that these displaced residents will have a chance to see firsthand on what has left in their homes. Speaking to Hong Kong's government-controlled broadcaster RTHK, Deputy Chief Secretary Ron Church says some 6,000 people have registered to go in.

In the next two weeks, families in groups of four at most are assigned each with a three-hour time slot to pack up. Officials told them to prepare themselves both physically and mentally. Those who live in higher floors are faced with tough hikes as there are no lifts.

Some might well come across the ferry sports where their loved ones had drawn their last breath. Some have given up to go in altogether. Pictures reviewed by the government earlier suggest some units are so damaged that walls and even cellings have fallen off with virtually nothing left.

A few non-government organizations were offering counseling sessions or even landing out robotic exoskeleton legs to help pensioners who would like to walk up the stairs to go home for maybe one last time. But there are reports of some services being cancelled in last minute under government orders, which the administration is yet to comment on. On the other hand, officials are denying claims that they are banning volunteers from helping out residents on sites.

They have also said that some claims of ransacking were just misunderstanding. These all add to people's frustration, but officials say it is important to follow their lead.