Sir, Today the terrible toll of the Asian tsunami is being remembered at a memorial service.

As a survivor of a major rail disaster I know only too well that, initially, injuries heal, possessions are replaced, life seems to get back to normal. It is the longer-term effects that are harder to deal with.

After Paddington we were somewhat fortunate that there was an admission of liability and that the same insurance arrangements covered the three transport companies involved. Those who developed trauma-related illnesses were able to claim the costs of treatment. Unfortunately, the British survivors of the tsunami are probably not in the same position as the tsunami was an “act of God”.

Some of the tsunami survivors will have difficulty in sleeping and may be terrified of water and the sea. They may suffer from impaired memory and loss of concentration, feel suicidal, lose jobs and suffer broken relationships. They will need appropriate and timely treatment.

Much money was raised for tsunami relief by the Disasters Emergency Committee. Perhaps a small proportion could be set aside as a fund to help British survivors to deal with the longer-term effects of the trauma.

Yours sincerely,
JONATHAN DUCKWORTH,
Chair,
Paddington Survivors Group,
The Old Courthouse,
Church Street, Nailsworth,
Gloucestershire GL6 0BP.
enquiries@paddingtonsg.org.uk
May 11.

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