ULM Psychologist Emphasizes the Importance of Psychological Treatment After the Flood Disaster in Banjarmasin
Banjarmasin – Academics from Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) are focusing on humanitarian issues in the region. ULM psychologist from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), Rika Vira Zwagery, S.Psi., M.Psi., emphasized the importance of psychological treatment for flood victims, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children, who are often overlooked post-disaster.
In the December 15th edition of the Radar Banjarmasin newspaper, Rika expressed this view in response to several cases of trauma experienced by tidal flood victims in Banjarmasin City, one of which was experienced by an elderly person named Salasiah in the East Kelayan area. According to Rika, disasters not only impact physical and material damage but can also leave long-term psychological scars for survivors of various age groups.
Rika explained that the elderly are a group that is highly vulnerable to trauma caused by disasters. Decreased physical and cognitive abilities make them more susceptible to shock, excessive fear, and prolonged stress when facing emergency situations such as floods. If not properly managed, these conditions have the potential to develop into recurring psychological trauma whenever a trigger arises.
In the context of this case, she believes that an excessive panic reaction to signs of flooding, such as rising river water or heavy rain, is a strong indicator of trauma. Therefore, Rika encourages victims with similar symptoms to seek professional assistance, including referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists, to help them recover mentally and reduce long-term psychological impacts.
Furthermore, this ULM academic emphasized that post-disaster management should not focus solely on physical and infrastructure recovery. She believes that local governments need to seriously incorporate mental health aspects into their disaster management systems. One strategic step that can be taken is providing initial psychological support training to volunteers and field officers, so that emotional support can be provided from the early post-disaster phase.
Rika also encourages cross-sector collaboration between the government, health workers, academics, and communities to ensure comprehensive and sustainable psychological care for disaster victims. This approach is considered crucial to ensure that survivors, especially vulnerable groups, can return to their lives with a sense of security and a better quality of life.
Through this contribution of thought, Lambung Mangkurat University emphasizes the role of its academics in providing a scientific foundation for public policy and disaster management. The expertise of ULM lecturers is expected to serve as a reference in formulating disaster management measures that are not only physically responsive but also responsive to the community’s mental health.
