Lessons Learnt from the psychosocial response to the tsunami
Main Lessons Learnt
It was clear immediately after the tsunami waves had ravaged through villages and towns that the immense devastation had led to immeasurable loss of human lives and physical infrastructure.
The need for instant psychological first aid was immense, as thousands of people were in shock having lost multiple loved ones, homes and the sense of control of their own lives. Normal reactions included strong feelings of grief, anger, fear and loss of trust – all part of what has since been described as 'root shock' and feeling a ‘loss of place’.
Tsunami affected village. There are about 60 families in this coastal village of Thirumullai Vasal. Photo by Yoshi Shimizu / International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Following the initial shock, psychosocial support needs were obvious as whole communities were uprooted and thousands of affected individuals and families were relocated into internally displaced people camps (IDPs). The humanitarian aid response, both internally and externally from international organizations, bodies and entities, focused on all aspects of life affected by the relocation and devastation. Attention was given to
basic needs and security, such as food, water, shelter; health and care requirements, such as first aid or attention to other medical ailments; and to psychosocial needs, such as restoring links with lost family or community members, mourning over lost loved ones and participating in social or community activities.
The multiple psychosocial responses were as varied as the number of implementing stakeholders. Some lasted a few weeks or months whilst others have continued as ongoing community development projects for the four years following the tsunami.
The multi-country nature of this crisis led to some stakeholders implementing similar psychosocial responses concurrently in a number of countries, whilst others targeted one small and specific population in a single affected country.
Despite the immense variances in responses, it has been possible to identify key lessons learned. These are presented under the specific themes of coordination and collaboration; community participation; psychosocial approaches; and programme management.
Indonesia, aftermath of the Tsunami, October 2005. Months after the disaster, people are still living in terrible conditions. Photo by Daniel Cima / American Red Cross |
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