The sisters were taken to uncle Bishnu Kafle's home in Christchurch where he says he will take them in.
Family friend Bishnu (Eds: correct, also Bishnu) Pokhrel said the girls are very upset, still in shock, and supporting each other.
The family was meeting with the funeral directors this morning and arranging the return of the bodies, he said.
An Everest Mayoral Support Fund, set up at Waimate ANZ Bank yesterday for anyone who wished to make a donation to the family which has lost everything, has already received more than $6000 in donations.
Tej's brother Bishnu Kafle yesterday told how the girls tried to save their family. When they smelled smoke, they called out to their parents and brother who shared another room but heard nothing, he said.
"They opened the bedroom door but the flames and smoke pushed them back," said Bishnu.
"They tried to call their mum and dad in the next room but they could not hear anything.
"They broke the windows and managed to get outside on to a balcony.
"Two "gutsy" young co-workers of Tulsi at nearby New World supermarket tried to help them, fire officials said.
Firefighters then got them down to safety.
"I must look after these three girls. They are very scared, and crying. They are safe now, " Bishnu said.
"They will come live with me in Christchurch. We will all look after each other now."
Fire investigators believe the fire began in the kitchen of the flats above shops.
The deaths have been referred to the coroner.
Family friend James Lee, a chef from Timaru, said it was "heartbreaking".
"They were lovely people, and so very young. And to leave behind three children is so very very sad."
Tej came to New Zealand from Nepal in 2005, Bishnu said.
He originally settled in Greymouth before going to Christchurch where he ran a restaurant.
After the earthquakes, he moved to Waimate.
Tej's wife of 25 years and four children followed him three years ago.
They set up the Indian restaurant about 18 months ago and were well settled in the region.
Tulsi worked at the New World supermarket in the bakery.
Pream and Mamata attended Waimate Main School.
Bishnu, who runs a Christchurch restaurant, said his brother was "a very good man".
"He always helps me and helped everybody," he said.
"He was my best friend and brother. He was a very good, very honest man. It is very sad. My brother and sister-in-law will be very deeply missed."
He thanked the supermarket workers who tried to rescue his family.
Binita Bhujel, a local Nepali woman who works at a nearby farm, said there "seven or eight" Nepalese families living in the area.
They are now gathering to "support the girls"."We are all united together," she said.
"We are shocked. Never thought this would happen here.
"We came to the restaurant a lot of the time. They were very friendly, good people."
Waimate mayor Craig Rowley, who also owns a jewellery store in the building, said the tight-knit rural community was rallying together.
Mr Rowley said offers of help have already been flooding in from members of the community and local community groups.
"It's great to see people putting donations in already, it's quite remarkable," he said.
The triple tragedy would have a large effect on the community, Mr Rowley said.
