Mental Health and Disaster Management in South Asia
摘要
South Asia, home to over two billion people, is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world due to its dense population, rapid urbanization, and climate vulnerability. While each nation has its own Disaster Management Act and strategies for disaster risk reduction, regional cooperation through SAARC has also emerged as a key approach. Despite these efforts, the mental health impact remains profound, with post-disaster psychological distress reported in 70–85% of survivors. A severe shortage of mental health professionals across South Asian countries—lower than most WHO regions—poses another significant challenge. To meet these challenges, many countries have introduced training programs for local volunteers and community workers in providing basic psychosocial support. National guidelines and laws are being developed, and several programs are underway; however, there is a pressing need for stronger regional collaboration. In recent years, countries have increasingly adopted advanced technologies like satellite imaging, big data analytics, and global positioning system (GPS) tools to enable faster relief and mitigation. Strengthening these systems and integrating them with community-based mental health responses could play a crucial role in improving disaster preparedness and resilience across South Asia.