[afro-nets] Mass burial in natural disaster unnecessary, says WHO

["Claudio Schuftan" <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

Mass burial in natural disaster unnecessary, says WHO
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Manila, 7  December 2006-The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office  for the Western Pacific has issued recommendations and guidelines to dispel myths in the aftermath of typhoon Reming (Durian) that has claimed many lives.  

Dr Art Pesigan, WHO Regional Adviser in Emergency and Humanitarian Action, emphasized that survivors, and not the dead, are more likely to be the source of disease outbreaks if public health care strategies for the survivors and their families are not made a priority.  WHO issued the clarification after local officials involved in rescue efforts ordered the mass burial of bodies to prevent an epidemic.    

"Epidemics do not spontaneously occur after a disaster and dead bodies will not lead to catastrophic outbreaks of diseases," Dr Pesigan said.  The key to preventing disease, he explained, is to educate the public and improve sanitary conditions, including the provision of safe water and food.

Rescue workers began Sunday to bury hundreds of victims of landslides on the slopes of Mount Mayon in Albay Province triggered by the typhoon.  With many more people unaccounted for, local officials fear the death toll could exceed 1000. 

WHO issued the following guidelines:

* The body of a person killed as a result of a disaster does not pose a risk for infection. 
* Mass graves should not normally be used for burying disaster victims. 
* Under no circumstances should mass cremation of bodies take place when this goes against the cultural and religious practices of those affected. 
* Every effort should be made to identify bodies.  As a last resort, unidentified corpses should be buried in identified burial ground, in individual bags with photos and proper tagging.  

 Dr Pesigan also explained that the identification of bodies is essential for prompt recovery among survivors from the severe stress and personal losses caused by sudden natural disasters.  The inability to mourn a relative can contribute to the many potential mental health problems associated with disasters and make the rehabilitation process that follows more difficult.

Fact Sheet on Care of the Dead in Disasters can be found at:
http://www.wpro.who.int/media_centre/fact_sheets/fs_20061207.htm

A list of references and downloadable material can be found at:

http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/ems/myths/en/index.html

Contact Information

Dr Art Pesigan, WHO Technical Officer, Emergency and Humanitarian Action 
Tel: +63 2 528 9810; 
E-mail: mailto:pesigana@wpro.who.int .