Invisible Wounds
Summary
The Bhotekoshi flash flood has left survivors facing not only destroyed homes and missing relatives, but also deep psychological trauma and grief. The article argues that mental health support, psychological first aid, and child-focused care must be treated as essential parts of disaster recovery.
Key Points
- The Bhotekoshi flash flood has killed more than a thousand people and left more than 5,000 unaccounted for, creating a major humanitarian and emotional crisis.
- Survivors may face flashbacks, anxiety, sleep problems, social withdrawal, survivor’s guilt, and grief over lost homes, possessions, and loved ones.
- Children are especially vulnerable after disasters and may show distress through nightmares, withdrawal, clinginess, and fear of being alone.
- The article says mental health services, safe spaces for children, and counselling should be built into disaster response from the start.
