Tsunami disaster – countries in crisis

Real lives

Helping children and their families recover from trauma

© UNICEF India/2005

Pradin and Brinda at the relief camp in Kolachel

KANYAKUMARI/CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu, India, 4 January 2005 - At the relief camp in the village of Kolachel, Pradin appears happy as he plays with his sister Brinda. He and his sister run around the relief camp wearing donated clothes, seemingly oblivious to the destruction surrounding them. However, when asked whether he wants to return home, Pradin's smile quickly disappears. “I am frightened of the sea. I am frightened of the canal.”

In the district of Kanyakumari, there is an abandoned canal located just beyond the village of Kolachel. As the tidal waves struck last week, many people ran for safety and either fell or were swept into the canal by the surging water. Hundreds of bodies were later recovered – among them Pradin's close friend, Joseph.

© UNICEF India/2005

Arti lies in James Hospital, Kolachel

Many parents have told UNICEF officials that their children are talking in their sleep and have become far more introverted. Arti, who was admitted to a hospital in Kolachel, hardly speaks since losing her cousin in the tsunamis and she "broods for hours" according to her mother, Helen Mary.

UNICEF is trying to ensure that these children and their families receive proper treatment for both psychological and physical wounds. “Our strategy is to train community-based volunteers and teachers. They are being taught to identify signs of trauma so that counselling can be provided," says UNICEF State Representative for Tamil Nadu, Tim Schaffter.

Many of these children have seen death up close for the first time. Many have lost a parent, a sibling, or a friend in the disaster. What makes it particularly difficult for the children is that their parents and the people around them are still grieving the loss of lives and properties. Many are in need of emotional support themselves.

Pilarasi, an old woman admitted to James Hospital, is being administered intravenous glucose as she has refused food for the past three days. "I have nothing to live for," she tells her son.

UNICEF, in coordination with the Government of Tamil Nadu, is collaborating with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), in order to train volunteers from the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), a community-based youth organization. They will travel to all affected areas of Tamil Nadu to help survivors get back on their feet and resume their lives as soon as possible.