Unicef counsels 100 000 kids
2005-01-06 20:38
New Delhi - The United Nations Children's Fund Unicef said on Thursday it was counselling more than 100 000 children who were traumatised by the death of relatives in the tsunami-hit southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The tsunamis smashed into Tamil Nadu with terrible force on December 26, killing 7 932 people, with 6 023 dead in the worst-hit district of Nagapattinam alone.
Unicef said it was collaborating with Tamil Nadu's social welfare and department of education to implement the psychological care and support programme.
"Unicef is reaching out to over 100 000 children in 13 districts in Tamil Nadu to help them recover from the psychological trauma of the tsunami disaster," Unicef said in a statement released here.
Cecilio Adorna, Unicef's representative in India, noted the importance of helping children cope with their trauma by getting them back in school as quickly as possible as it gave them something positive to focus on.
"Some of these children have seen their parents, siblings and friends die. Many have been separated from family. The secure environment of family, school and play is changed forever," Adorna said.
"Many children are responding to their traumatic experiences by showing signs of deep insecurity, nightmares, loss of appetite and withdrawal. The survivors' physical wounds should heal quickly given proper care," she added.
"However, the psychological damage could be permanent if we don't quickly give children the help they need to be happy again."
Health workers in India have reported a severe shortage of trained counsellors to treat survivors suffering from trauma.
Since the children only understand local Indian languages, Unicef has roped in Tamil-speaking volunteers from the Nehru Yuva Kendra (Nehru Youth Centre).
"The volunteer youth organisation will help carry out activities in communities. Technical support will be provided by India's National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences," it added.
The official toll in India from tsunamis rose again on Thursday to at least 9 986 people confirmed dead, but the number of missing dropped to 5 679, most presumed dead, the government said.