December 13, 2024 – At the International Conference on Tsunami Risk Reduction & Resilience (ICTR3), Dr. Sophia von Lieres, Assistant Professor at the School of Social & Behavioural Sciences, presented groundbreaking research on the psychological impact of tsunamis, focusing on survivors in Alappad Panchayat.
Dr. von Lieres, who holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Leipzig, Germany, shared insights from her doctoral research, which examined the psychological effects of the 2004 tsunami two and a half years after the disaster. Her study revealed that survivors continued to experience significant psychological distress. However, factors such as social support and avoidance coping mechanisms were found to play a crucial role in mitigating the traumatic stress associated with the event.
Building on her earlier work, Dr. von Lieres collaborated with Master of Social Work students in 2019 to conduct focus groups with women self-help group members who had contributed to relief efforts during the 2018 Kerala floods. Although these women were not directly affected by the floods, they recounted vivid memories of the 2004 tsunami and demonstrated effective coping strategies, including prayer, distraction, and social sharing, to manage distress.
During her presentation, Dr. von Lieres offered actionable recommendations for enhancing disaster response strategies:
- House extended families together to preserve social support networks.
- Foster community cohesion through activities such as sports and vocational training.
- Provide mental health support via self-help groups and counseling services.
Dr. von Lieres emphasized the importance of culturally informed disaster strategies that prioritize mental health and strengthen community resilience. She also highlighted the need for proactive disaster preparedness measures, including evacuation drills and educating younger generations about tsunami risks.
Her findings underscore the critical role of social networks and mental health resources in disaster recovery. They serve as a call to integrate these elements into future disaster response planning to better support survivors and build resilient communities.