Concern over 'emotional burnout' among Philippines flood victims

Manila: The World Health Organisation (WHO) aired concern for the psychological well-being of Filipinos still mired in flood waters, weeks after three powerful typhoons battered the country.

Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO's regional director for the Western Pacific, said psychosocial effects on the victims of massive flooding will remain long after floodwaters subside.

He said the survivors and victims now face the prospect of suffering from "emotional burnout," or trauma. Typhoons Ketsana, Parma and Mirinae have left thousands of Filipinos homeless and nearly a thousand dead.

More than a million residents continue to live in water-logged conditions, weeks after the calamity struck, placing them at risk of water-borne diseases.

But while some flood victims may appear to be already coping with the damage and the effects of the inundation on their lives, experts are more concerned about the less apparent signs of damage. He said some victims will exhibit frustration and apparent loss of hope.

"That is a perfectly normal reaction, but the danger is that they might become frustrated and angry if their physical and mental needs are not taken care of as the days go by," Shin said.

The official also warned of psychosocial stress on relief workers, many of who have been working seven days a week since the first typhoon struck on September 26.

"Confronting danger and human misery for days on end, often without proper rest, exacts a heavy emotional toll on these people," said Shin.