In response to the catastrophic landslides that have severely impacted a district in north Kerala, the state government has initiated a comprehensive mental health support programme. This initiative is aimed not only at the survivors and next of kin of those who tragically lost their lives but also at the heavy machine operators who are engaged in the challenging task of clearing debris and recovering remains.
The state Health Department has reported that its psychology division has been actively providing mental health counselling to these operators. Given the emotionally taxing nature of their work—dealing with the aftermath of such a disaster—the psychological support aims to sustain their mental resilience and sense of purpose. The operators, who number over 300 and include individuals from various states such as Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Karnataka, are receiving counselling in multiple languages to accommodate their diverse linguistic backgrounds.
In addition to individual counselling for the machine operators, the Health Department has established a mobile mental health unit. This unit is tasked with delivering mental health care and support to everyone affected by the landslides. The mobile unit offers both group and individual counselling sessions and has integrated the services of medical professionals from local medical colleges.
State Health Minister Veena George has emphasized the importance of maintaining strict oversight over the counselling process. She has instructed that no one should enter the counselling camps without prior approval from the Health Department, ensuring that the mental health services provided are both professional and secure.
To further enhance the support available, a super-specialty teleconsultation service has been introduced. This service is aimed at providing specialist treatment for those residing in the disaster-affected areas, including both camps and local residences. The teleconsultation service is expected to bridge the gap between the affected individuals and the specialized care they might require.
In a related development, tele-counselling has been set up for disaster victims through the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (NIPMAR), under the Department of Social Justice. This service provides remote psychological support and counselling, ensuring that those in need can access help from their homes or temporary shelters. State Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R Bindu has announced the availability of tele-counselling and provided contact numbers for those seeking assistance: 9288099587, 9288004981, and 9288008981.
The concerted efforts by the Kerala government reflect a deep commitment to addressing the mental health challenges arising from the disaster. By integrating various forms of support—ranging from on-site counselling to tele-counselling—the authorities aim to provide comprehensive care to all those affected by the landslides, ensuring their mental and emotional well-being is adequately supported during this trying time.