Tsunami work in Phang Nga

Siam-Care has now worked with children and families affected by HIV/Aids for the past 15 years, providing homecare and counseling. But recently Siam-Care has broadened its remit; Staff are now using their specialist skills and experience to offer trauma counseling for children affected by the tsunami.

Trauma counseling plays a significant role in the healing process after witnessing such devastation such as that of the tsunami in 2004. It allows people to reflect on what they have experienced and come to terms with it, allowing them to move on with their lives instead of harboring a festering trauma that may even hinder their own personal growth.

The Day the Tsunami came

Siam-Care goes about this by using a brightly colored story book, “The day the tsunami came” written by Hijltje Vink, that explores the events that took place trough the eyes of a bumble bee that was flying above the Thai coastline on 26 December 2004. In using the bumble bee’s perspective the children are able to reflect upon their own experiences without feeling threatened.

Though it may sound a simple task, it is far from it. “You have to build a relationship before children trust you enough to talk about trauma” explained Ratree. No simple task, to build a trusting relationship, as well we all know!

The devastation

The coastline of Phang Nga and surrounding areas still house vivid reminders of the ravaging destruction of the tsunami, once proud, tall and glamorous buildings such as hotels now stand as mere piles of ruble and waste. Although much of the waste and rumble has and is being cleared there still remains the odd boat washed up with no sign of the sea anywhere, silent and vivid monuments to the destructive power unleashed in 2004.

Facts:

• Tsunami means “Harbor Wave” in Japanese
• The wave originates from an earthquake that occurs at the bottom of the sea.
• The earthquake that caused the tsunami of December 2004 was measured at a 9 on the Richter Scale
• The earthquake’s epicenter was just north of Sumatra
• The tsunami claimed over 300,000 peoples’ lives
• 1,000,000 homes were destroyed
• $6.8 billion was sent for aid from the International Community