October 31: His Majesty the King met with the families of those affected by the disastrous fire in Chamkhar town. His Majesty the King said that he was deeply worried when he heard the news while in Delhi in India. His Majesty expressed his sadness on the tragic loss of two lives and concern for the people who were left homeless and emotionally distressed.

However, His Majesty said that during such times of calamity, the nation came together in support of the bereaved families and expressed their concern and care in many ways.

His Majesty plans to personally oversee the rebuilding process and deliver their homes as soon as possible. In the coming days, he will personally sit with them individually, discuss and assess their needs and work out accordingly. His Majesty said that it is very important for them to resume their businesses as early as possible, so that they can get back to their normal lives.

His Majesty was pleased to note that our sense of community and fraternity continues to strengthen our Bhutanese character particularly during such times, and further expressed the need to reinforce these values at all times.

More than 300 soldiers and students and instructors of the Chumey Institute of Civil Engineering have been dispatched to carry out relief works at the site of the fire.

Meeting the affected students separately, His Majesty the King expressed his concerns regarding the immediate need to enable the students to continue their schooling unhindered and the families to start rebuilding their livelihoods.

His Majesty visited the temporary shelters and assured the affected families that he will be stationed in Bumthang and will personally oversee the relief efforts that are currently underway. His Majesty expressed his wish to rebuild their homes and resume their lives as soon as possible.

Later in the evening, with temperatures close to freezing, His Majesty again visited the temporary shelters and met with individual families to assess their living conditions and other facilities built for them.

Speaking to BBS, some of the affected families expressed their gratitude to His Majesty the King and the government for giving them support, both financially and emotionally, in such a situation. They said that it is not only a loss for them but also for the country, as they have been granted everything free.

Fifty nine shops and hotels were razed to the ground on October 26 morning. It is one of the worst fire disasters in the country.