A viral video has captured this troubling scene, showing women sitting and sleeping in large cardboard boxes scattered across public areas. These makeshift shelters provide minimal protection but represent a desperate attempt to carve out some privacy from a city that relies heavily on their labor.

The live-in rule mandates that foreign domestic helpers reside within their employer’s homes. This policy effectively renders them homeless on their weekly day off, as they congregate in underpasses and on bridges, creating temporary “rooms” from discarded materials.

Rapha, an influencer who has highlighted this issue, referred to it as “The Invisible Labor Crisis” of Hong Kong. She stated, “Hong Kong runs on labor it refuses to house,” emphasizing the stark contrast between the city’s wealth and the living conditions of those who support its affluent class.

Every Sunday, these workers are displaced from the environments where they perform essential tasks—cleaning homes and caring for children of the city’s elite. As they gather in public spaces, they become visible symbols of a growing wealth gap that underscores societal inequities.

Observers note that this situation raises critical questions about the treatment of domestic workers in one of the world’s richest cities. The cardboard boxes serve not just as physical shelters but also as poignant reminders of how society views those who sustain its daily functions.

While many advocate for reform, no concrete plans have been announced to address these issues. The plight of domestic workers continues to shine a light on broader systemic problems within Hong Kong’s labor market.

As discussions around labor rights gain momentum, activists hope that increased awareness will lead to meaningful changes. For now, however, these women remain trapped in a cycle of exploitation and neglect—effectively homeless on their only day off.

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A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Indonesia at approximately 7:48 AM local time today, leading to at least one confirmed death and multiple injuries. The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Molucca Sea, about 580 kilometers from the Philippine coast, and occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers.

The tremors were felt strongly in cities such as Manado, Bitung, and Ternate, lasting between 10 to 20 seconds. Reports indicate that the quake caused structural damage, including the collapse of at least one building in Manado. A 70-year-old woman was among the casualties, having died in the building collapse.

In addition to the initial quake, at least 11 aftershocks were recorded, with the strongest measuring 5.5 in magnitude. Tsunami waves reached heights of up to 75 centimeters in North Minahasa, prompting a brief tsunami alert that was lifted within hours.

George Leo Mercy Randang, a local resident, described the event, stating, “The quake was felt strongly and around Manado… one person died and one person had a leg injury.” Another resident, Marten Mandagi, recounted the moment, saying, “We had just woken up and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house.”

Initial assessments indicate that damage varied from light to severe across affected areas, particularly in Ternate and Bitung. Indonesia’s national disaster agency emphasized the need for vigilance, noting, “Although relatively small, this situation still requires vigilance due to the potential for aftershocks.”

Indonesia, situated along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, is known for its seismic activity, making it prone to earthquakes. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the region’s geological volatility and the ongoing risks faced by its inhabitants.

As authorities continue to assess the situation and provide aid to affected areas, further updates will be released as details become available. Details remain unconfirmed.

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