The Sri Lanka Tsunami Experience

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 killed 31,000 people in Sri Lanka and produced morbidity primarily resulting from near-drownings and traumatic injuries. In the immediate aftermath, the survivors brought bodies to the hospitals, which hampered the hospitals' operations. The fear of epidemics le...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disaster management & response 2006-04, Vol.4 (2), p.38-48
Main Authors: Yamada, Seiji, Gunatilake, Ravindu P., Roytman, Timur M., Gunatilake, Sarath, Fernando, Thushara, Fernando, Lalan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Child
Communicable Disease Control - organization & administration
Disaster Planning - methods
Disasters
Emergency Medical Services - organization & administration
Female
Housing
Humans
Infant
International Cooperation
Male
Needs Assessment
Nursing
Relief Work - organization & administration
Social Change
Sri Lanka
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Summary:The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 killed 31,000 people in Sri Lanka and produced morbidity primarily resulting from near-drownings and traumatic injuries. In the immediate aftermath, the survivors brought bodies to the hospitals, which hampered the hospitals' operations. The fear of epidemics led to mass burials. Infectious diseases were prevented through the provision of clean water and through vector control. Months after the tsunami, little rebuilding of permanent housing was evident, and many tsunami victims continued to reside in transit camps without means of generating their own income. The lack of an incident command system, limited funding, and political conflicts were identified as barriers to optimal relief efforts. Despite these barriers, Sri Lanka was fortunate in drawing upon a well-developed community health infrastructure as well as local and international resources. The need continues for education and training in clinical skills for mass rescue and emergency treatment, as well as participation in a multidisciplinary response.
ISSN:1540-2487
1540-2495
DOI:10.1016/j.dmr.2006.01.001