The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Stress on follow-up of tsunami relief efforts

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 13, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Stress on follow-up of tsunami relief efforts

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, MARCH 12. In an attempt to evolve a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the victims of the December 26, 2004 tsunami, the Neurosciences India Group today facilitated discussions between different groups hitherto involved with relief efforts in Tamil Nadu.

Briefing the audience about the efforts undertaken by the State Government, C.V. Shankar, Officer on Special Duty, tsunami relief, said the tragedy had shown up some vulnerable areas in terms of exposure to such calamities. However, the response of the administration was swift, with fund flows streamlined and decentralisation effected. The medical and paramedical staff must be appreciated for their enormous tasks in preventing the outbreak of epidemics and providing counselling to the victims.

L.V. Saptarishi, director-general, CAPART (Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology), Ministry of Rural Development, said it was essential to see that the rehabilitation efforts were successful, indicating a pressing need for follow-up.

Though the administration was accustomed to handling crisis caused by natural calamities constantly, the havoc caused by the tsunami was unprecedented, he added.

S. Murugan, Director of Public Health, outlined the various measures undertaken by the Health Department, immediately after the tsunami and since then.

S. Nambi, psychiatrist, Institute of Mental Health, detailed the possible psychiatric and psychological complications that could result as part of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and also explained the efforts taken by the State to provide counselling and support to the victims.

Mary Ann John, Sister Superior, St. Isabel Hospital, and E.S. Krishnamoorthy, director, Neurosciences India Group, also spoke.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu