Bhotekoshi flood survivors face lasting psychological trauma
Summary
Survivors of the Bhotekoshi floods are struggling with panic, nightmares, anxiety and depression after losing family members and witnessing the disaster. Health officials say counselling and psychiatric treatment are helping many recover, but children and people with pre-existing mental health conditions still need support.
Key Points
- Survivors of the Bhotekoshi floods are experiencing lasting psychological distress, including PTSD-like symptoms, nightmares, anxiety and depression.
- Children and people with pre-existing mental health conditions are especially vulnerable, and some survivors have turned to alcohol to cope.
- Counselling at holding centers and in affected communities has helped many survivors, while severe cases are being referred to hospitals.
- Health offices in Nuwakot and Rasuwa are using counselling, psychiatric treatment and plans to train school nurses to address the trauma.
