RESPONDING TO THE PHILIPPINES T YPHOON

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) is part of the Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Disaster Related Death
Managing Concerns About the Dead or Missing
In all disasters, respect for theRecommendations for specificIn all disasters, respect for thespiritual and religious customs
worries and concerns;
associated with remains and burial■■ “Is my loved one missing, hurt or
spiritual and religious customs
is an important part of recoverydead?”
associated with remains and burial
for the affected population. Often
xx Have a list of services
customs may not be the same as ones
is an important part of recovery foravailable (help lines,own. Protecting the body and soul
the affected population.
medical, social service orof the dead, the rituals of burial, whosecurity contacts).
conducts the ceremonies and whether
one can afford the ceremony/burial when you have just■■ “If my loved one is dead, will the body be protected?”
lost all your possessions are common concerns.
xx Prevent scavenging or thievery.
Those who provide medical, psychiatric and mental
xx Keep the body intact (avoid burning, cremation or
health care we well as first responders and thoseorgan harvesting).
recovering remains should seek out local religious leaders■■ “Will the soul of my loved one be protected?”for specific guidance on customs for death and burials.
For example, in Haiti, although 80% of the population
xx Seek out and consult local spiritual leaders for
are Catholic, nearly half of the population also practiceguidance on beliefs and rituals.
Vodou. (AKA Voodoo, Vaudou or Vodoun). Belief in
xx Religious and spiritual beliefs may vary by region
Vodou may or may not be acknowledged to a stranger.
and family (i.e., belief in the soul). Beliefs andSpecific rules and customs related to death and burial arepractices may span more than one religion (e.g.,very important in Vodou.
Catholic and Vodou practices performed together).
■■ “Will I be able to follow my traditional burial rituals andExpressing Grief and Ritual
ceremonies?”
In many cultures, physical displays of emotion such as
xx Identify local religious leaders (e.g., Vodou priests
crying and wailing at the time of death are a normal partand priestesses, or Houngans and Mambos). Theyof grieving. Funerals are social events and families may
may be very difficult for foreigners to find — ask
go to great lengths to congregate at the deceased’s home.
local residents for help in finding them. Local
Services could include several days of food, music, dance
relgious leaders will be able to provide guidance onand prayer. This may be followed by an additional timethe death and burial rituals according to custom.
period of ritual and social activities. Depending on thespiritual beliefs and the family circumstances, burial may
xx Respect and equality should be paid to all religious
take place soon after death or may be held until family
authorities.
members gather.
xx Be aware that this disaster may make certain
traditions difficult to carry out (e.g., final washing
Burial Sitesof the body when water is scarce).
Burial sites may be a significant concern for families.
xx If homes are destroyed or transportation impeded,
The nature of a disaster as well as desperate economic
identify where funerals, religious services and/orconditions can limit burial options. It is important togatherings can be held.
understand what families desire for burial, as well as■■ “How can I pay my respects? I don’t have proper clothes,what alternative options may be required due to thethere is no place to prepare food, there is a shortage ofcircumstances. It is equally important to be sensitive
food, how do I do what others think is right/proper, which
to cultural and spiritual implications of a less desirable
funeral do I go to (if multiple losses)?”burial site when talking with families.
Continued

xx Provide practical information about safe foodand water supplies, extra clothes, and location ofelders, spiritual or other community leaders.
xx Listen to the concerns of family with compassion.

■■ “What will be done if we are not able to pay for a burialor ceremony?”xx Know what will be done to manage those bodies
not claimed or abandoned.
xx Identify services for those needing help coping withthis burden (e.g., guilt, anxiety, anger, withdrawal if
unable to pay).

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
Tel: 301-295-2470 | Fax: 301-319-6965
www.CSTSonline.org