Help the affected deal with disasters trauma

The fear of terrorism is gradually destroying our way of life. For instance, if anything gives a loud bang, there would be pandemonium as people scamper for safety.

This is best illustrated by a recent incident at the University of Nariobi’s Kikuyu campus where a power transformer blew and the resultant stampede needlessly caused the death of a student and a dozen injured.

This calls for deliberate efforts to alleviate tension and prepare Kenyans to respond adequately to danger. The first step involves a sustained national campaign to sensitise people on how to react during emergencies.

Institutions need to train those in their premises how to handle disasters and not cause unnecessary panic.

The government should also set up centres to deal post-traumatic experiences across the country.

Survivors of such experiences, their families, friends and relatives go through difficult times trying to come to terms with reality, and need assistance to adjust.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Untold story of journalists, activists struggling with Shakahola trauma
• 
  How Ministry is fighting cross-border security threats
• 
  Involve counties in war against violent extremism, government told

In one of the pictures taken at the burial of a student killed in the Garissa University College attack, a child stayed by the coffin of his friend throughout the ceremony, unable to comprehend what had happened.

Without psychiatric assistance, such a child, and many other people, might have their future ruined by a negative impression of life. Still, Kenyans must be bold in the face of an enemy who wants to change the way we live.