Comprehensive Mental Health Counseling Amidst Kerala Landslide Tragedy

In the wake of massive landslides in north Kerala, the state government is offering mental health counseling not only to survivors and next of kin but also to operators of heavy machinery involved in rescue operations. Counseling services are provided in various languages to accommodate operators from other states. A mobile mental health unit and super-speciality teleconsultation services are also set up to aid affected individuals.

In a determined response to the devastating landslides in north Kerala, the state government has expanded mental health counseling services beyond survivors and bereaved families to include heavy machinery operators participating in rescue missions.

According to a statement from the state Health Department, these operators, hailing from as far as Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Karnataka, are receiving counseling in their native languages. This initiative aims to strengthen their resolve amid the grueling task of unearthing remains from the disaster.

Health Minister Veena George highlighted that a mobile mental health unit has been deployed to deliver both group and individual counseling. Additionally, specialists from medical colleges and a super-speciality teleconsultation service are available for those in disaster zones. Tele-counseling support is further bolstered by the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation under the Department of Social Justice, urged Social Justice Minister R Bindu.

(With inputs from agencies.)