Hong Kong fire leaves children in urgent need of mental health support

HONG KONG, 2 December 2025 – Children affected by the deadly apartment fires in Hong Kong are in urgent need of mental health and psychosocial support as the death toll from the blaze tops 150[1] with many people still missing, Save the Children said.

The fire at the Wang Fuk Court estate on 26 November, the deadliest the city has seen in decades, caused multiple casualties and led to the closure of 13 primary and secondary schools in the affected neighbourhood.[2]

Children living in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, where the estate is located, began returning to school this week with some campuses reopening for classes while others continue with online lessons as students and teachers begin to recover following their horrific ordeal.

As children and families try to cope with the full extent of the devastation, Save the Children has begun to distribute stationery to affected schools.

The charity also plans to provide USD$1,280 (HKD$10,000) to each student impacted by the disaster across 11 primary and secondary schools in Tai Po. This will address their urgent educational needs and enable them to continue their studies and daily lives, hopefully easing the financial burden of affected families.

On the psychological front, Save the Children will distribute plush toys to kindergarten students in Tai Po to provide emotional comfort. The charity will also provide psychological counselling services to children in collaboration with the Department of Counselling and Psychology at Hong Kong Shue Yan University.

Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, said:

“Post-disaster recovery is not just about rebuilding infrastructure – it is about helping affected children resume normal life. For students, wearing a neat uniform, carrying a schoolbag and learning and playing with classmates are vital steps towards psychological recovery.

“We are deeply grateful for the swift action of Hong Kong Shue Yan University’s Department of Counselling and Psychology. At the same time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones in this tragedy and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in about 100 countries. We work with children, families, communities, and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world. 

To support Save the Children Hong Kong’s Tai Po blaze response and to help affected children visit: https://savethechildren.click/Hong-Kong-Tai-Po-Blaze

References:

[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01/

[2] The Education University of Hong Kong: https://www.eduhk.hk/en/press-releases/eduhk-temporary-support-centre-opens-today-assisting-nearly-300-affected-students-and-teachers-resume-classes