Table 1

Summary of findings from interviews with cyclone survivors and relief workers:

Domain

Concern

Basic necessities

- Survivors lacked clean water and food

- Distance and cost of obtaining and transporting were challenges that had to be met, often at the sacrifice of meeting other needs

- Shelters and new homes were inadequate; many residents were still homeless or in temporary housing

- Concerned with the stability and protection provided by the new structures

Health

- Diarrhea and illnesses related to water shortages persisted

- Noted psychological disorders associated with traumatic event of the storm and loss

- Basic health services remained insufficient (a reality even before the cyclone)

Government interference (direct and indirect)

- Check-points were in place along routes into the Delta during the early phases of response

- "Fees" were charged to access disaster areas

- Travel restrictions occurred

- Aid workers were extensively monitored

- Relief workers were required to give aid directly to the authorities

- Relief and reconstruction materials were misappropriated

Security Concerns

- Intimidation, abuse, and fear of arrest of relief workers

- Security concerns further obstructed the delivery of aid to cyclone victims

Information

- Challenges and security concerns were associated with collecting information

- Needs assessments and coordination of relief activities particularly were hampered by inability to independently collect data and communicate

- Information released through the state-controlled media outlets minimized the extent of the disaster and needs of the victims

Suwanvanichkij et al. Conflict and Health 2010 4:8   doi:10.1186/1752-1505-4-8