Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday pledged to continue strengthening psychological support for those affected by the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire, after inspecting the operation of the government-run 18111 Mental Health Support Hotline.

Speaking at a press briefing after the visit, Lee noted that in the wake of the fire, Hong Kong society has been overwhelmed by grief. The hotline has recently received numerous calls from affected residents and other experiencing unease and anxiety due to the tragedy.

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Professional counselors have been providing real-time psychological support, with sessions lasting from 15 minutes to over two hours.

Lee emphasized the importance of mental health support, revealing that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has invited Lam Ching-choi, chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, to lead related efforts. Multiple departments will collaborate to provide psychological support to victims and others who have been affected, including teachers, students, and nearby residents.

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He said he hoped that society would extend mutual support to help residents return to normal life as soon as possible, while reiterating that support for the victims would not cease and that efforts would be continuously scaled up. Lee said he will propose a motion at the first meeting of the newly elected Legislative Council, which will be formed after Sunday’s vote, to discuss how to support the victims and assist societal recovery. He promised not only to allocate funds but also to work diligently on legislative changes to reform systems and close loopholes.

The blaze, which broke out at Wang Fuk Court on Nov 26, has so far claimed 159 lives including one firefighter, and displaced nearly 2,000 households.