Lessons Learned from the Spitak Earthquake and Other Catastrophic Disasters

This chapter summarizes the organizational and clinical lessons learned in implementing and conducting a post-disaster recovery program. It underscores the importance of a hierarchical approach with a centralized chain of command. This approach can facilitate recovery by mitigating adversities and removing roadblocks to community recovery. Supporting and empowering affected local governments and civil society, however incremental, plays a central role in extending assistance to underprivileged sectors. Likewise, working with the school hierarchy provides the necessary support to implement a school-based psychological intervention. Working with international donors and relief organizations should be a centralized “demand-driven” process rather than an “all aid is welcome” approach. Care for those with serious medical conditions, the displaced elderly, the homeless, and orphans should take priority over non-urgent mental health needs.