Helping survivors deal with the traumatic aftermath

Beyond grief: Families grieve as a hearse carrying one of the victims of the Batang Kali landslide leaves the Forensic Department of the Sungai Buloh hospital. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Psychological first aid is crucial for survivors of a natural disaster to help them reduce stress, stabilise and help them recover from the traumatic event, say mental health experts.

It is necessary to help the survivors process the trauma and shockwaves of the landslide that struck Father’s Organic Farm in Batang Kali early Friday morning, leaving 24 dead, nine missing and scores injured, they said.