Expert: Provide only what is really needed

Do not add to confusion as disaster victims already severely stressed, says psychiatrist

PETALING JAYA: Aid workers intending to help victims of earthquakes or floods should seek information from the local authorities on what is really needed for the victims, says a psychiatrist.

Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, who was involved in helping out after the 2004 devastating Aceh tsunami and earthquake disaster, says aid workers must understand that the victims, including children, are facing severe psychological stress after going through a major disaster.

Aid workers bringing supplies to disaster zones should not add to the confusion when the victims are still reeling from the incident.

“In the immediate aftermath, the majority would face acute stress disorder characterised by anxiety, depressed mood, poor sleep and irritability particularly because of displacement or uncertainty of the earthquake re-occurring,” he said in an interview yesterday.

Dr Andrew said the victims are likely to suffer post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), especially among vulnerable groups like children and those with existing conditions.

“Children particularly need to have intervention programmes to return them to normalcy as soon as possible to prevent long-term psychological impact,” he added.

In the already vulnerable situation, he said aid agencies and aid workers should not add to the confusion.

“In the aftermath of disasters, aid workers usually descend into an area to help and distribute relief supplies. If they want to provide aid, it is good to find out from local sources what are the things that people need instead of flooding the population with things that are perceived to be needed,” he said.

As residents of Aceh begin their painful recovery from the devastation of the 6.5-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, Dr Andrew said victims in the worst-hit area, Pidie Jaya, are likely to face psychological distress from the disaster.

Dr Andrew was speaking from experience as he helped set up psychosocial rehabilitation services in Aceh after the 2004 tsunami.

“Because individuals weren’t sure about what kind of aid the victims needed, the disaster areas had received plane-loads of instant noodles and bottled water. There was a glut of this,” he added.

He hoped the latest disaster will not lead to what he termed as “disaster tourism”, where aid workers bring in individuals to help, but end up impeding such efforts.

“I urge all well-intentioned Malaysians who want to help out to coordinate with local agencies or NGOs who have the right information to channel their aid,” he said.

For now, it is important to ensure that basic needs like food, water, clothing, proper praying facilities and temporary accommodation are looked into, he added.

Children particularly need to have intervention programmes to return them to normalcy as soon as possible to prevent long-term psychological impact. Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj