ICRC News Release 09/03
3 February 2009
Nepal: ICRC promotes sound management of dead bodies following disasters
Kathmandu (ICRC) Nepal is one of the most earthquake-prone and
flood-prone countries in Asia. As part of its efforts to help Nepal manage
dead bodies after disasters, the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) is holding two programmes on the 'Management of Dead Bodies after
Disaster,' the first from 4 to 6 February at Hotel Himalaya, Pulchowk, and
the second from 8 to 12 February 2009 at Dhulikhel Lodge Resort.
"We will be enhancing the ability of over 80 members of armed forces,
governmental and local non-governmental organizations to manage dead bodies
when disaster strikes," says course convenor and forensic expert Anthony
Hill, who will be leading the programmes with his colleague Soren Blau from
the Victoria Institute of Forensic Medicine in Australia. "The way we deal
with the bodies of people killed in a disaster has a profound and
long-lasting effect on the community, and on the mental health of the
survivors. We must ensure that organizations involved in disaster response
are trained in the management of dead bodies, and that includes proper
recovery, storage and identification."
Experience has shown that preventive measures reduce the long-term effects.
"Apart from the emotional trauma, not knowing what has happened to a family
member after a disaster can have legal and financial implications for years
to come, because the family cannot resolve inheritance issues or claim on
insurance policies, says Mary Werntz, head of the ICRC delegation in
Nepal. Potentially, these problems can affect thousands of families.
Major natural disasters such as the earthquakes in Pakistan or the 2004
Tsunami have confirmed the need for the practical knowledge this type of
programme can provide, and for all parties involved in disaster response to
be well prepared.
Release On : Wednesday, 04 February 2009
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