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Commendation Letter from the President, World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine


Dear Dr. Yodmani,
 
In this enormous tragedy that affects so many countries, my own included, there has been one very positive message that I want to share with you and I hope you will convey that message to the Thai People.
 
All interviews that have been with the survivors coming home to both Sweden and Norway have been mixed on many topics. There has been criticism of one part from one group and of another actor from another group, but with one exception! They are, regardless of profession unanimously praising the efficiency, flexibility, the kindness and the quality of all parts of Thai actors that have been involved after the wave struck. Especially the health care has functioned way beyond anybody's imagination. In spite of being overloaded with patients they all felt that they got special attention and care and the right treatment when they needed it. I have worked in disasters before. I know how difficult it is.
 
I therefore want to congratulate you on your achievements. To me it is obvious that the role of ADPC has been crucial in this matter. Your training program must be very appropriate and you must have raised the awareness to the levels necessary to be prepared for such events. I now only have one more wish. I want you to share this experience with the rest of the world, and the upcoming World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine in Edinburgh, May 16-20 2005 could be the first opportunity.
 
But first and foremost, please accept my thanks and congratulations on behalf of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine and please, also share this with your politicians who have given you the opportunity to give disaster management the importance it deserves and with your hard working people who have given so much of themselves and have been able to execute real management at the highest level of quality.
 
Sincerely Yours
Knut Ole Sundnes MD
President
World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

 
 
 
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Summary of Sri Lanka Findings in pictures.

The lack of awareness about tsunami behavior increased the impact of the event. Nature provided a few warning indicators, which were ignored by everyone. If the public were aware of indicators such as the disappearance of the sea for few minutes, they could have identified the danger and many lives could have been saved. There was nearly 40minute of lag time between the destructive sea waves. Especially in the case of Sri Lanka there was enough lag time between the affected zones in eastern coast and western coast for warnings to be issued.