The World Federation’s Response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster: Situational Assessment and Recommendations for Future Action

Abstract

WFOT responded immediately and proactively to the major disaster that occurred in the Indian Ocean region on December 26, 2004. This report notes the actions that WFOT have taken already and recommendations for future actions for occupational therapists locally and internationally for improved preparedness for emergency response. As noted in the Report of the WFOT Response to the Tsunami (www.wfot.org/document_centre/), for the future, priority occupational therapy emergency response needs are for orientation, preparation and understanding of coordination requirements and skills in post traumatic stress management and in particular through meaningful and productive occupation and sustainable livelihood

Keywords:

• tsunami
• emergency response
• community development