One in 10 flood victims suffering depression

By The Nation

Nearly one in 10 was found suffering from depression after more than 12,000 flood victims were screened for mentalhealth problems.

"Up to 173 flood victims are suicide risks," Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said yesterday.

Since storms began pounding the country in late July, the Public Health Ministry's medical workers have reached out to people in floodaffected areas.

The medical teams have treated 76,585 flood victims for common diseases such as athlete's foot, colds, and aches and pain.

The ministry said the floods also killed 59 people, including 11 children.

Nine provinces are still fighting floods - Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Angthong, Chai Nat, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani and Sing Buri.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra chaired an emergency meeting to map out measure to address the severe inundation of these nine provinces.

The nine governors and representatives from 37 agencies were present at the gathering.

"I want the assistance to reach the affected people as soon as possible," she said.

After inspecting flooddevastated areas last week, she stressed at the meeting the importance of coordinating efforts among all authorities to speed up the flow of assistance.

The measures taken in one province could affect another, so all agencies, local governments and other parties needed to integrate their activities, she said.

"Today marks a good start. The governors of the affected provinces are now discussing the flood problems together," she told the meeting.

Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Piewpong said he instructed all tambon administration organisations to protect rice paddies from floodwaters for at least one more week.

"We have now built dykes with sandbags. Farmers should be allowed to harvest their crops first," he said.

-- The Nation 2011-09-05

So I guess that means 9 out of 10 are not.

I would be depressed too if I lost everything in a flood........

I would be depressed too if I lost everything in a flood........

At least they have an excuse......

Overall, depression occurs in 1 in 10 adults or 10 per cent of the population in Britain at any one time, according to the ONS, closely matching figures from other studies.

from http://www.mind.org.uk/help/research_and_policy/statistics_1_how_common_is_mental_distress

I'm surprised it's not 9 out of 10.

I think `out of 10 thais are depressed in general.

Could be more flood victims soon.

Just got back from visiting a friend in Sing buri where the river is very high and close to danger level.

The people there have apparantly been told there is no money this year for any flood protection work and to prepere for the worst.

But... the Gov's of there and other provinces have since met with the MP so things may have changed.