Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Disaster Related Death:Managing Concerns About the Dead or Missing
cultural and spiritual implications
In all disasters, respect for theInalldisasters,respectfortheof a less desirable burial site whenspiritual and religious customs
talking with families.
associated with remains and burial
spiritual and religious customs associatedis an important part of recovery
with remains and burial
Recommendations for specificfor the affected population. Often,
is an important part of recovery forworries and concerns
customs may not be the same asones own. Some common concerns■ “Is my loved one missing, hurt,
the affected population.
include protecting the body andor dead?”soul of the dead, the rituals of burial,
x Have a list of services
who conducts the ceremonies, and whether one can afford
available (help lines, medical, social service, orthe ceremony/burial when you have just lost all yoursecurity contacts).
possessions.
Those who provide medical, psychiatric, and mental■ “If my loved one is dead, will the body be protected?”
health care as well as first responders and those recoveringx Prevent scavenging or thievery.
remains should seek out local religious leaders for specificguidance on customs for death and burials. For example, inx Keep the body intact (avoid burning, cremation, orHaiti, although 80% of the population are Catholic, nearlyorgan harvesting).
half of the population also practice Vodou. (AKA Voodoo,■ “Will the soul of my loved one be protected?”
Vaudou or Vodoun). Belief in Vodou may or may not be
x Seek out and consult local spiritual leaders for
acknowledged to a stranger. Specific rules and customs
guidance on beliefs and rituals.
related to death and burial are very important in Vodou.
x Religious and spiritual beliefs may vary by region
and family (i.e., belief in the soul). Beliefs andExpressing Grief and Ritual
practices may span more than one religion (e.g.,
In many cultures, physical displays of emotion such as
Catholic and Vodou practices performed together).
crying and wailing at the time of death are a normal part ofgrieving. Funerals are social events and families may go to■ “Will I be able to follow my traditional burial rituals andgreat lengths to congregate at the deceased’s home. Services
ceremonies?”
could include several days of food, music, dance, andx Identify local religious leaders (e.g., Vodou priests
prayer. This may be followed by an additional time period
and priestesses, or Houngans and Mambos). Theyof ritual and social activities. Depending on the spiritual
may be very difficult for foreigners to find — ask
beliefs and the family circumstances, burial may take place
local residents for help in finding them. Localsoon after death or may be held until family members
relgious leaders will be able to provide guidance ongather.
the death and burial rituals according to custom.
x Respect and equality should be paid to all religious
Burial Sites
authorities.
Burial sites may be a significant concern for families.
x Be aware that this disaster may make certain
The nature of a disaster as well as desperate economic
traditions difficult to carry out (e.g., final washingconditions can limit burial options. It is important toof the body when water is scarce).
understand what families desire for burial, as well as
x If homes are destroyed or transportation impeded,
what alternative options may be required due to theidentify where funerals, religious services, and/orcircumstances. It is equally important to be sensitive togatherings can be held.
Continued

■ “How can I pay my respects? I don’t have proper clothes,

there is no place to prepare food, there is a shortage offood, how do I do what others think is right/proper, whichfuneral do I go to (if multiple losses)?”x Provide practical information about safe food andwater supplies, extra clothes, and location of elders,spiritual, or other community leaders.
x Listen to the concerns of family with compassion.

■ “What will be done if we are not able to pay for a burial

or ceremony?”x Know what will be done to manage those bodies
not claimed or abandoned.
x Identify services for those needing help copingwith this burden (e.g., guilt, anxiety, anger, and/orwithdrawal if unable to pay).

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org