Asia Tsunami 2004: The Challenges of Disabled Survivors
Photo: Seattle Times
A Special Disability News Ticker feature
News Archive
Amputees get free artificial limbs Bangkok Post (THAILAND) - Mar 12, 2005:
The Public Health Ministry gave the artificial legs and arms to 110 tsunami victims whose limbs were amputated after being hit by tidal waves, trees and debris in the Dec 26 tsunami tragedy last year.
"Kids Of HOPE" Tsunami Relief Benefit, April 21, 2005 PRWeb (USA - SRI LANKA) - Mar 3, 2005:
Proceeds from the Kids of HOPE event will benefit the Sambodhi Home in Galle, a shelter for physically and mentally disabled children and adults. About half of the hundred residents of the home died in the tsunami, drowning in their beds or swept away in the torrents of water that battered coastal Sri Lanka.
German philanthropist donates Rs. 666,250 to Sambodhi Children's Home in Galle Daily News (SRI LANKA) - Mar 3, 2005:
But after the tsunami, by seeing the tsunami victims I feel very saddened. I saw the Sambodhi Home in Galle for the mentally and physically disabled children and is finding it hard to recover. Though the building of the home was not destroyed, water had gushed in up to about 6 feet and taken the lives of the 48 out of the 62 inmates.
Indians try to win one for tsunami victims at Special Olympics South-East.Asia.News.Designerz.com (INDIA) - Mar 1, 2005:
"Handicapped athletes are having a very difficult time in tsunami-affected areas," said Victor Vaz, head of India's 24-strong delegation. "Many specially affected children must be encouraged by our players to recover," Vaz, who is a regional director of the Special Olympics' Indian Office, told AFP. "I have learned there are a lot of intellectually disabled people who lost properties. They lost houses. They lost everything," said Charles Borromeo, vice head of the delegation. "Even in our team there are four or five boys from the affected areas," Borromeo said. "We are directly or indirectly affected by tsunami. It will take some more time for us to recover."
Sri Lanka re-directs tsunami aid BBC News (SRI LANKA) - Feb 25, 2005:
The country's social services minister said goods were being sent to homes for the elderly and institutions for children and the disabled.
Resident returns from Sri Lanka with tales of hope Litchfield Inquirer (USA - SRI LANKA) - Feb 25, 2005:
He developed six programs in all, each focusing on specific needs such as creating programs to help children deal with the stress and trauma, sending specialists to a clinic to help with the disabled and establishing a facility to accommodate up to 300 newly orphaned children.
Tsunami victims to be fitted with durable artificial limbs Bangkok Post (THAILAND) - Feb 24, 2005:
More than 200 residents of Phuket, Phangnga and Surat Thani who lost limbs in the December disaster will be fitted with durable prosthetics, starting next month, under a Public Health Ministry project. Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, after visiting Wachira Phuket hospital in Muang district and giving wheelchairs to three handicapped tsunami survivors yesterday, said 209 people from three southern provinces needed the artificial limbs to live normal lives.
M-P sixth graders raise funds for tsunami victims Kalona News (USA - SRI LANKA) - Feb 2, 2005:
The sixth-graders at the Mid-Prairie Middle School in Kalona are conducting a special fundraiser to assist residents of the Sambodhi Shelter for Physically Disabled Children in Galle, Sri Lanka. The facility was hit by the incredible tsunami on December 26.
Clinton named UN tsunami envoy Herald Sun (INTERNATIONAL) - Feb 2, 2005:
"The Secretary General is confident that president Clinton will bring energy, dynamism and focus to the task of sustaining world interest in the vital recovery and reconstruction phase following the tsunami disaster that hit south Asia on 26 December 2004.
Free Wheelchair Mission Plans to Aid Tsunami Survivors; 2,750 Wheelchairs Donated to Devastated Areas of India and Sri Lanka by April 2005 BusinessWire.com (USA - INDIA, SRI LANKA) - Feb 1, 2005:
Free Wheelchair Mission, the Orange County based non-profit organization, committed to providing the transforming gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries, plans to deliver more than 2000 wheelchairs to distressed areas in India and Sri Lanka. With the help of Rotaries and local churches, the deliveries should be completed by April of this year.
Mid-Prairie students pitch in Iowa City Press-Citizen (USA - SRI LANKA) - Jan 31, 2005:
"They're probably really, like, overjoyed to hear kids are getting into it; not just adults are doing something," Geyer said about the Sambodhi shelter for disabled children. "That kids can help other kids the same age as them."
Inspired through love Trinidad and Tobago Express (TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO) - Jan 30, 2005:
The horrific images of devastation and loss of human life after last year's tsunami have impacted on us all.
After seeing the various news reports, Hamel-Smith knew that she had to get involved in some way, but how? Again she was inspired by her children.
Citizens in Lorient donate Rs. 60mln to construct houses Daily News (SRI LANKA) - Jan 28, 2005:
We intend to provide para-medical assistance to Matara hospital and to initiate a special program aimed at rehabilitation of physically and mentally retarded children.
Warnings of post-tsunami stress Health24Com (THAILAND) - Jan 27, 2005:
"By the year 2015 depression alone will be the (world's) second most important disease leading to disability," said Sartorius, citing a World Health Organisation (WHO) study.
Crippled fend for themselves Deccan Herald (INDIA) - Jan 27, 2005:
Around 1000-1500 cases of injury — fractures, spinal injury, paralysis etc — have been recorded in the islands, says Javed Abidi, the Executive Director of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled people (NCPEDP), which made a two-day visit to Port Blair to gather data on the number of people disabled, as a result of the tsunami.
District: 145 persons have been left physically disabled New Kerala (INDIA) - Jan 25, 2005:
Meanwhile, the district rehabilitation department said they had conducted a survey, which revealed that more than 145 persons had been left physically disabled in the district after the Tsunami.
UPI Hears ... Washington Times (USA) - Jan 25, 2005:
Perhaps the most tragic story from the devastation of the Dec. 26 tsunami concerns the disabled people in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (3rd story down)
'Disabled in Andamans worst hit by tsunami' NewKerala (INDIA) - Jan 24, 2005:
Disabled people in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the worst hit in the Dec 26 tsunami, as they could not escape to high ground to evade the sea's onslaught, a leading rights group said Monday. A statement from the National Centre for Promotion of Employment For Disabled People (NCPEDP) said none of the 700 polio victims on Car Nicobar island could be located three days after the tsunami, which also disabled many people.
Tsunamis cause hundreds of people to become disabled China View (CHINA - THAILAND) - Jan 24, 2005:
The Department of Medical Services was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying in a statement that among the 800 victims who have suffered from movement disability from the tsunamis, 33 have become severe disabled persons. The Department of Medical Services have dispatched medical teams to assist the disabled victims. The assistance includes plans for their physical rehabilitationbased on first-hand information on their levels of disability froma field survey in the tsunami-hit areas, and provision of artificial limbs, or clutches or wheelchairs for them.
U.S. servicemembers on relief mission reach out to communities Stars and Stripes (USA - THAILAND) - Jan 24, 2005:
Tech. Sgt. John Houghton, with 1st Combat Camera from Charleston, S.C., plays with disabled children living at the Pattaya Orphanage during a visit last week by U.S. servicemembers working at Utapao, Thailand, as part of Operation Unified Assistance.
Australian aid for the disabled Daily News (SRI LANKA) - Jan 21, 2005:
"This is an example of Australians working with Sri Lankans to help rebuild the lives of some of the most vulnerable people affected by the tsunami. It is an important symbol for the beginning of the path towards recovery," Dr. French said.
Sambodhi Home reopens ColomboPage.com (SRI LANKA) - Jan 20, 2005:
Sambodhi Home in Galle, a center for the disabled and the mentally retarded, which suffered from the tsunami was reopened with the participation of Dr. Greg French, Australia's High Commissioner-designate, recently.
JOY: Thailand orphans spark tears, fun with visitors United States Marine Corps News (USA - THAILAND) - Jan 19, 2005:
The school currently has 15 volunteers who come here at their own expense from the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark and Australia to help take care of the babies, teach English to the disabled students, take the blind, deaf and mute children to the beach and visit the elderly each day.
Zharif offers more than just help to Acehnese Jakarta Post (INDONESIA) - Jan 21, 2005:
Born with no arms, Zharif sets an example for others as a motivated individual who does not see his disability as a setback. "I believe that these people need to be taught how to help themselves to get through this, not to be dependent on psychologists or medicine.
Medical team ready to assist Somalia The Australian (AUSTRALIA - SOMALIA) - Jan 20, 2005:
Dr Forward said injured people had received medical aid soon to help them avoid long-term disability and deformities.
People can endure only so much pain Bangkok Post (THAILAND) - Jan 18, 2005:
The Public Health Ministry has estimated that 10% of the 8,457 injured are physically and mentally disabled by the tsunami that hit the provinces of Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Trang and Satun on Dec 26. Being an official estimate, it is likely conservative.
Disability rights activists to visit tsunami-hit Andamans: Newkerala (INDIA) - Jan 17, 2005:
In an effort to ensure that the disabled in the tsunami-ravaged Andaman and Nicobar Islands are able to get relief and rehabilitation, a team of disability rights activists will visit the islands. Representatives of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and Chennai-based NGO working for the disabled Vidya Sagar have launched a campaign to ensure that relief reaches the disabled people, NCPEDP said in a release here today.
Drink Up For Tsunami Relief Effort KXAN News (USA - SRI LANKA) - Jan 17, 2005:
"A team of us founded it. It's spearheaded by Walters Bay and on of our largest clients, Coffee Bean and Leaf, joined us right away," Widyaratne said, "We raised several hundred thousand dollars. Our goal is to get up to $350,000 to half a million dollars that will take care of a nursing home for the disabled orphans."
Short News brief: Daily News (SRI LANKA) - Jan 17, 2005:
She said that the Social Service Officers supervise the newly recruited graduates and they take care of the welfare of Tsunami victims staying in the camps, especially children, women, elders and disabled persons. More...
Public urged to donate wheelchairs for tsunami victims Mcot.org (THAILAND) - Jan 15, 2005:
The Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Nonthaburi Province on the outskirts of Bangkok has urged the public to donate wheelchairs for people who have been left disabled by last month's tsunami disaster.
More than 800 disabled for rest of lives Bangkok Post (THAILAND) - Jan 15, 2005:
More than 800 tsunami victims in southern Thailand have been physically and mentally disabled for life after being severely injured by the tsunamis last month, health authorities said yesterday. Public Health Ministry figures showed about 10% of a total of 8,457 injured patients were physically and mentally disabled after the waves hit six coastal provinces along the Andaman Sea on Dec 26.
MP helps to refurbish home The Age (AUSTRALIA - SRI LANKA) - Jan 15, 2005:
Australia has come to the aid of a group of mentally and physically disabled children and adults who survived the Boxing Day tsunami only to face the threat of sexual predators. Seventy of the 121 residents of the Sambodhi home for the disabled died when the southern Sri Lankan town of Galle was hit by surging waters. Last Friday, intruders broke into the badly damaged home and attempted to physically interfere with residents before being chased off.
Short News brief: New Kerala (INDIA) - Jan 14, 2005:
We've also seen the tsunami bring out the worst in humanity – the bottom-feeders who move in when their prey is injured or disabled. More...
One man’s hazard is another man’s disaster - 'The Disabled' AlertNet.org (SE ASIA) - Jan 14, 2005:
Other disabilities can make people vulnerable. People with limited mobility were at high risk during the Asian tsunami, simply because it was harder to flee the killer waves. The challenge after disasters is often to get walking aids such as crutches and prosthetics to disabled survivors, yet these items are usually difficult to find in poor countries and are a low priority for most aid agencies.
CDPF makes donation to tsunami-hit areas People's Daily Online (CHINA - SE ASIA) - Jan 13, 2005:
Deng Pufang, chairman of China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), handed over three checks, each worth $10,000, to the Ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia to China Wednesday and asked them to relay the sympathy of Chinese handicapped to the handicapped persons and their organizations in tsunami-hit countries.
Kanyakumari victims await compensation NDTV.com (INDIA) - Jan 13, 2005:
Mohammed Abbas, 55, managed to save his nephews when the first wave struck. But in the process his leg was severely injured and he was disabled. So far he has received no help from the government. The people of his village have taken a loan of Rs 30,000 to get his leg treated.
Short News brief: New Kerala (INDIA) - Jan 12, 2005:
The affected states had been asked to prepare a list of such orphaned children and widows and monitor their welfare, he said adding that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had also taken up various measures for relief and rehabilitation of women, children and disabled people. More...
Heroic efforts in saving disabled victims Malaysian Star (MALAYSIA) - Jan 13, 2005:
THE tsunami tragedy of Dec 26 last month continues to make a deep impact in many of our lives. Some of you wrote to Wheel Power to ask if I had come across accounts of how disabled people in the affected areas were surviving the trauma and devastation caused by the killer tides.
Leonard Cheshire Mobilises Support for Disabled People Affected By Tsunami Business Wire (UK - SE ASIA) - Jan 12, 2005:
More than 250,000 disabled people and their families in Sri Lanka and India have lost lives, livelihoods or homes in the recent tsunami in Asia. Leonard Cheshire, which has been supporting disabled people internationally for 50 years, is mobilising staff and volunteers to help disabled people caught up in the tsunami disaster.
Short News brief: Biblical Recorder (SRI LANKA) - Jan 11, 2005:
After successfully obtaining and fitting out a water pump, we return to Galle, where Gammedduweha takes us to visit a home for disabled orphans. The rambling facility, located across the street from the ocean, was immersed by the tsunami. Only 14 or 46 residents survived, and that was because they were away for the holidays. Young people with the Sri Lankan Youth Corps are cleaning the floors and repainting the building for the children who remain alive. The tsunami has left many more orphans, and they will soon have a full house again.More...
Short News brief: Deleware Online (INDIA) - Jan 11, 2005:
On Thursday, government officials made a presentation ceremony to tsunami victims who were disabled. Malligai Parusuram, an 83-year-old woman who lived in a hut near Cuddalore, injured her hip as she tried to escape the giant waves more than two weeks ago. She was saved by fellow villagers but left incapacitated. Parusuram received a sari and a small amount of money.
"When the waves hit, I thought I was going to die," she said. "I did not think I would live to see even this come to me." More...
Sick Sri Lankan Residents Back at Shelter Yahoo! News (SRI LANKA) - Jan 10, 2005:
Still, the return to Sambodhi is a triumph of sorts for the survivors and their caretakers, or at least a determination to begin life again.
Disabled set up tsunami relief Dehli NewsLine (INDIA) - Jan 11, 2005:
The National Centre for Promotion of Employment of Disabled People has set up a Tsunami Disability Relief Fund. The fund will attempt to create rehabilitation for the disabled affected by the tragedy. NCPEDP has aslo invited contributions in this regard. Meanwhile, DTC has donated Rs 1 crore.
Mental Health Provider Assists in Stricken Nation Scoop (NEW ZEALAND - SRI LANKA) - Jan 11, 2005:
One of New Zealand’s largest mental health providers is sending an advance party to Sri Lanka to help develop counseling and psychiatric support services for tsunami survivors.
IOM's tsunami relief operations Daily News (SRI LANKA) - Jan 11, 2005:
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has quickly responded to requests for assistance from the Government of Sri Lanka to provide emergency relief assistance to the tsunami affected. Priority will be given to the following extremely vulnerable individuals in selecting beneficiaries: * injured, elderly or disabled persons;
Centre working on long-term relief for tsunami victims Sify News (INDIA) - Jan 11, 2005:
The Centre is working on long-term rehabilitation of children and women who were orphaned and widowed by the tsunami disaster and is paying special emphasis to their psychiatric problems, a top official said on Monday. Prasad said crutches, tricycles and other material were also being provided to the disabled.
Sick Sri Lankan Residents Back at Shelter NewsDay.com (SRI LANKA) - Jan 10, 2005:
Ratnasiri is mentally ill, a man in his 60s who has spent the last quarter-century in the Sambodhi home, a shelter for physically and mentally disabled children and adults. About half of the hundred residents of the home died in the tsunami, drowning in their beds or swept away in the torrents of water that battered coastal Sri Lanka.
Father's appeal for disabled Tsunami survivors Epping Forest Guardian (UK - SRI LANKA) - Jan 9, 2005:
A FATHER and business leader who had family caught up in the Asian tsunami has appealed for help with "forgotten" disabled survivors of the disaster.
Dying Everyday OutlookIndia.com (INDIA) - Jan 8, 2005:
B. Nithila is programme manager, disability, ActionAid, and is part of an emergency team working in tsunami-hit areas.
Special kids with a heart TheStar Online (MALAYSIA) - Jan 8, 2005:
The amount collected came up to RM480 from the 24 children of the Taman Megah’s Handicapped And Disabled Children’s Home for The Star Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Fund on Thursday.
Family tells of love for 'sweet prince' Courier-Mail (AUSTRALIA) - Jan 8, 2005:
The 16-year-old, who had Down syndrome, may have died prematurely in Phuket when the tsunami ripped him from his parents on Boxing Day, but his unconditional love has proved inspirational.
Students raise $1,000 for Sri Lankan children's shelter Duluth News-Tribune (USA - SRI LANKA) - Jan 6, 2005:
MILWAUKEE - Students at a suburban elementary school raised more than $1,200 in mostly pennies and dimes in three days to help disabled children at a Sri Lankan shelter destroyed by the tsunami. "I really want to help the kids, because they have disabilities and then they lost their home," said Calahan Schneider, a fifth-grader at Shady Lane Elementary School in Menomonee Falls.
APA Offers Condolences, Support Over Tragic Tsunami Disaster USNewsWire (USA - ASIA) - Jan 6, 2005:
In particular, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals may be called upon to provide treatment for individuals with particular vulnerabilities, including pre- existing mental illnesses, who might become more severely disabled without specialized care.
Woking people rallying round with aid for tsunami victims Woking News and Mail (UK - SRI LANKA) - Jan 6, 2005:
“First of all, our team evaluated the needs and identified the main risks, such as heavy physical disability due to injuries and lung infections due to swallowing sea water." Six physiotherapists specialising in respiratory problems have been sent to various hospitals, where they will face a challenging situation.
Family pays tribute to teenage victim The Age (AUSTRALIA) - Jan 6, 2005:
Paul had Down syndrome, and was helpless as the torrent roared across the resort and dragged him from his parents.
Tsunami doc's cause New York Daily News (USA - INDIA) - Jan 5, 2005:
Thara, a native of India, also is trying to raise relief funds that will help provide mental health support to those in need. "Suddenly, 95% of the people are disabled," Jaeger said. "Some are distressed psychiatrically. Others are disabled because they lost their support systems and others are disabled from grief, having lost their children or family members."
Tsunami a horror for paralyzed children CNN (SRI LANKA) - Jan 1, 2005:
Screaming with fear, paralyzed children at a shelter for the physically disabled and mentally ill in Galle, Sri Lanka, lay helplessly in their beds as seawater surged around them.
I fear for the lives of the orphans I helped look after The Cumberland News (UK - SRI LANKA) - Dec 31, 2004:
Himaka also spent two weeks with physically and mentally handicapped youngsters in an orphanage which bore the brunt of the tsunami’s force.
Tsunami Sri Lanka: Autism Awareness Campaign International Appeal Disability News Infoxchange Australia (SRI LANKA) - Dec 31, 2004:
The southern and east coast of Sri Lanka were devastated by the Tsunami - giant tidal waves smashed into the island killing thousands of innocent people including people with disabilities. The Autism Awareness Campaign in Sri Lanka appeal for humanitarian assistance - we urge you to help the people of Sri Lanka.
Short News brief: AsiaNews.it (INDONESIA) - Dec 30, 2004:
On Saturday, New Year’s day, and on Sunday, special collections will be held throughout the country. In their letter, the bishops stress that funds will go to emergency relief but in particular to those left disabled by the natural disaster. “Special attention,” it reads, “should be paid to those disabled victims since their future is not as bright as that of other victims" More...
Handicap International starts working in Sri Lanka Reuters AlertNet (SRI LANKA) - Dec 30, 2004:
"Our work is focusing on displaced people, people with a temporary or permanent disability and vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women and elderly people."
CBMI Canada is asking for Canadians to help those with disabilities affected by the tsunami disaster Quote.com (CANADA) - Dec 29, 2004:
Imagine for a moment what it might be like to be blind or disabled and to
be impacted by a catastrophe of this magnitude. Our experience shows people
with disabilities suffer worst in times of disasters. If they somehow manage
to survive, there's still the real risk they will be lost or forgotten in the
chaos that follows.
Short News brief: Newsday.com (INDIA) - Dec 29, 2004:
The middle of the village of several hundred people is now a small lake of seawater poisoned by dead fish and livestock. Next to one littered street, a wheelchair stood upright, its wheels twisted and gears bent out of shape. A passing survivor said it belonged to an 18-year-old disabled woman, Maha Lakshi, who was taken by the waves.
Preethipura Home goes under water, but children, staff saved Daily News (SRI LANKA) - Dec 29, 2004:
Despite the death dealing tsunami tidal waves unleashing all its fury dashing and smashing the eight feet parapet wall and roaring mercilessly within the Home for the Mentally Retarded Children of the Preethipura Home, at Hendala, the angry waters could not devour any child or inmate living at the Home at the time of the unexpected catastrophe.
Down syndrome boy among the dead The Australian (AUSTRALIA/THAILAND) - Dec 29, 2004:
Vince Parisi said Paul Giardina, who had Down syndrome, was "a brilliant boy and the shining light of the family".
Short News brief: Sun Newspapers (UK - THAILAND) - Dec 29, 2004:
British scuba instructor Adrian Kaye, 29, told how he saved 14 disabled divers as the tsunami churned the sea "like a washing machine." Adrian, of Thirsk, North Yorks, made them cling to each other to stay under water off the Surin Islands. It saved them from being killed by an attack of the bends.
Thai royal is among tsunami dead NCTimes.com (THAILAND) - Dec 28, 2004:
Khun Poom Jensen, 21, formerly of Del Mar, had just finished riding a Jet Ski at a beach resort in southern Thailand when the tsunami struck, the Bangkok Post reported. Poomi had autism and was severely disabled, court papers state.
Asia Tsunami 2004: The Challenges of Disabled Survivors