Tony Marchant, MSF Emergency Coordinator in Chengdu, Sichuan Province answers questions on the current situation following the earthquake in China.
What are the main needs of the people in Sichuan today?
Following extensive assessments in the affected region, MSF teams have found that the response in terms of food, water, sanitation and hygiene is largely adequate in most places. Over 5 million have been left homeless by the 'quake, so the need for shelter is tremendous. MSF has distributed 4,560 tents in close collaboration with the Chinese Red Cross, as well as plastic sheeting to the families in need. Many survivors have not only lost their houses and belongings, but also friends and/or relatives. Many are still in shock after the terrible experience of the 'quake. They clearly need psychological support.
Are there specific groups in need of mental health support?
When we come across survivors here, they tend to say that things are ok and they can cope with the situation. Like this old lady on Wednesday who told us she was fine and we could focus on assisting others. But when we started asking questions, she started flowing tears quite quickly. The same day, a bulldozer driver came to us asking to see one of our psychologists. He had been removing dead bodies from the rubbles since the 'quake and was feeling very bad, and having nightmares about his terrible daily experience.
What are the plans for MSF mental health work in Sichuan?
MSF psychologists have offered support and counselling and have provided training to medical staff on how to give basic psychological first aid to support patients.
Teams of psychologists will work in three locations where people displaced by the 'quake have sought refuge. There are over 20,000 people living in these temporary settlements.
In parallel, MSF teams will continue to respond to basic needs of the people in the affected areas of Long Men and Hanwang. We will be distributing more tents and basic items such as washing basins and clothes.
Is the local response covering all other needs?
In the many different emergencies I have witnessed, I have never seen such a response from the national authorities. Additionally, there has been a huge social mobilisation with volunteers coming to affected areas to offer support. In a large-scale disaster such as the Sichuan earthquake you can find many unmet needs, but here there are very few gaps. MSF is working mainly to meet mental healthcare needs and provide basic relief items and shelter.
Almost three weeks after the earthquake, can you feel the start of recovery?
So far people have been totally reliant on assistance from the government and both local and international non-governmental organizations. The first phase, the rescue operations, has mostly been completed. Now we are seeing signs of reconstruction. Nevertheless, many survivors have lost everything and have to continue to rely on governmental and non-governmental assistance to recover from the 'quake. Without doubt it will take years for the people here to get back to a normal life.
What is the plan for MSF now?
MSF remains in Sichuan and will work essentially in the field of mental health and distribution of basic relief items. We carried out medical activities in the phase of relief operations including nephrology, surgery and internal medicine but these emergency activities have now come to an end. But MSF will continue to follow up on extra medical and basic needs of the people injured and affected by this disaster.