Now Reading: Expert urges long-term psychological counselling for Assam flood victims
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Expert urges long-term psychological counselling for Assam flood victims
Dr Mythili Hazarika, associate professor of clinical psychology at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, has called for a long-term government plan to provide psychological counselling to people affected by floods in Assam's Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. Hazarika visited the worst-hit areas and observed that a large number of residents, particularly women and children, require mental health support.
The expert said most affected individuals show signs of acute stress, fear, anxiety, helplessness, and trauma-related distress. Mothers in particular display emotional distress, and children have suffered significant psychological impact from the disaster. Hazarika stressed that the post-flood response must address these invisible scars.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Assam faces annual floods that displace lakhs, but mental health support remains an afterthought in disaster relief. The state lacks dedicated post-disaster counselling infrastructure in rural districts. Without a structured programme, victims rely on overburdened primary health centres that have no mental health specialists. The government's next flood relief budget should include a psychological first aid component. Watch for whether the Assam health department issues a counselling protocol for Sivasagar and Charaideo by the next monsoon season.
Source: assamtribune.com
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