(This is part of my assignment on "types of disaster and psycho-social impact of disaster", references are given at the end)
1. Categories of Victims of Disaster
2. Phases of Disaster
Almost everyone in the population is affected by a disaster. No one is untouched by it. Those who suffer damage are called victims. The victims may die or live. Those who manage to live are called survivors. These survivors can be classified as follow (CRED, 2010):
| VICTMS | DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES |
| Primary Survivor | One who is exposed to the disaster first-hand and then survives. They are called ‘survivor victims’. Intervention is primarily for them since they are the most highly impacted amongst the victims. Survival guilt (“why don’t I die with my family?”) is very high among primary survivor. |
| Secondary Survivor | One who grieves the loss of primary victims, Eg. A mother who lost her child, or a man who lost his friend. Self-blame (“I should have done this”) is common among secondary survivor. |
| Third Level Survivor | The rescue and relief personnel who are exposed to the devastation and sufferings of people are also highly affected by the disaster. They undergo almost the same mental trauma as the other victims. |
| Fourth Level Survivor | Reporters, government personnel, traders, etc. |
| Fifth Level Survivor | People who read about or see the event in media reports. |
2. PHASES OF DISASTER
Disasters are not totally discrete events. Their possibility of occurrence, time, place and severity of the strike can be reasonably and in some cases accurately predicted by technological and scientific advances. It has been established that there is a definite pattern in their occurrences and hence we can to some extent reduce the psychosocial impact of damage though we cannot reduce the extent of damage itself.
There are a number of disaster phases that have been identified by mental health professionals (CRACC, 2008). Each of these phases is associated with emotional and behavioural elements, although there is often overlap.
(i) Pre-disaster Warning: The length of this phase depends on the event. For flooding, there are usually several days of warning that give people time to prepare, but for tsunami the warning might be short, while earthquake may not come with a warning.
(ii) Impact/Inventory (within hours): People may be temporarily stunned or confused as the disaster strikes, but they quickly recover and focus on protecting themselves and those close to them. Emotions include fear, helplessness, loss, dislocation, and feeling responsible ("I should have done more"). The inventory phase immediately follows the event as people start forming a preliminary picture of individual and community conditions. Emotions are wide-ranging as the extent of the impact is realized.
(iii) Heroic (up to 1 – 2 weeks): Throughout these first phases and afterward, people are responding to demands for heroic action to save the lives and property of others. Altruism is prominent. And people are willing to put forth major energy to help others survive and recover.
(iv) Honeymoon (1 – 24 weeks): This phase generally extends from one week to six months after the disaster. For those most directly affected, there is a strong sense of having shared with others a dangerous, catastrophic situation. For the community, there is a sense of cohesion and working together to recover. Relief efforts are in full swing, and hopes of a quick recovery run high. The emotions associated with this phase range from gratitude and hope to grief and continued disbelief.
(v) Disillusionment (2 months – 2 years): This phase can last from two months up to two years. The realities of recovery set in, and people experience feelings of disappointment, frustration, anger, resentment and bitterness if setbacks occur and promises of assistance are not fulfilled or are seen as too little, too late. Outside relief agencies and volunteers leave and some local community groups may weaken. Those most directly affected realize they have much to do themselves and their lives may never be the same. The ‘shared community’ feeling may gradually be lost as people concentrate on rebuilding their own lives and solving individual problems. Emotions are likely to include self-doubt, loss, grief, and isolation.
(vi) Coming to terms/Reconstruction (2 -5 and Lifetime): This phase generally lasts for several years after the disaster. Survivors focus on rebuilding their homes, businesses, farms and lives. The appearance of construction and new buildings, and development of new programs and plans bolster residents' belief and pride in community and in their own individual abilities to rebuild. But this process can be marked by ups and downs as anniversary and other events trigger emotional reactions, and if signs of progress are delayed.
It is important to understand the various phases of disaster because adopting the most appropriate approach right after the onset of disaster can make a big difference in the long-term, especially in the sphere of dealing and coping with the psycho-social impact.
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