Like
many other countries who lost their citizens in the tsunami,
the outpouring of generosity from the citizens of Sweden to
help tsunami-devastated communities was unprecedented, and has
assisted over 1.7 million people to survive and begin to recover.
However, as the 12-month commemoration of that terrible day
approaches, many people are pausing to reflect, remember, and
revisit the scene of the tragedy.
"This is a journey with strong emotions, not at least for
those who returning for the first time since the disaster,"
explains Susanna Soderstrom, who heads the Swedish Red Cross
assistance program in Thailand.
"Many people will combine the memorial services with visits
to the affected areas, and naturally that is stressful for families
who lost loved ones – it’s hard to anticipate how
a person will react. But the majority of people we are assisting
with psychosocial support do indeed feel very relieved after.
The visit had a sort of healing effect on them, they are saying."
Remembering those lost
Today, Susanna is, as usual dressed in the white t-shirt with
the Red Cross emblem. But, in addition, she has also attached
a yellow orchid to her chest to show that she is participating
in the memorial service.
Just above the beach Nai Yang in Pearl Village, the area where
the Swedish operation has been based, a huge white tent is erected.
Inside, line after line of chairs are wrapped in white fabric
in front a scene decorated in the Swedish colours of blue and
yellow.
As the tent slowly fills up with families, official and non-governmental
representatives and journalists, a remarkable calm abounds.
The sea, which all day has reflected the colours of the sky
– thunder grey, light blue and aqua marine – glitters
in the afternoon sun. Only now and then, a solitary wave washes
over the reef far out in the bay.
The artist Sara Nordenberg Borch and Daniel Zangger Borsch,
accompanied by the pianist Carl Flemsten, enter the stage for
one hour to perform songs and music, chosen with the families.
Participating in the service are also Ylva Eggehorn, poet and
composer of the psalm 256 "Do not fear", that has
been sung at ceremonies when victims are sent back home, and
Lennart Hamark, who reflects on the grief and the longing for
those who have passed away, but he also brings to mind the power
of love.
"It is because we love that our despair is so immense,"
he affirms.
As the service comes to an end, and sun quickly sets, the families
– by the light of flickering torches – process down
to the beach to set adrift their krathongs or traditional banana
leaf floats containing a flower, a candle and three incense
sticks which are lit before being placed on the water.
The ceremony which is inspired by one of Thailand's most beautiful
and popular festivals; Loy Krathong, takes place to coincide
with the full moon in November.
Psychosocial assistance
For the Swedish Red Cross, this month is also a starting point
for an increase in personnel in order to psychosocially assist
affected families arriving for visits to the disaster areas
or attending individual memorials and ceremonies when victims
are being sent home.
"The most important thing in the field visits," says
Susanna Soderstrom, "is that people are given time on the
spot to contemplate what they actually have been through. Large
amounts of information and deep feelings are being processed.
Therefore, people must not be rushed."
Swedish Red Cross facilitators are also providing assistance
to affected families in Sweden.
"We have to remember that not all people affected would
like to return to Thailand," emphasizes Susanna Soderstrom.
"But through the facilitators coming to work here on a
short term basis, a depiction of the situation can be conveyed
to those back home."
In total, 5,400 people died in Thailand, among them 543 Swedes.
Up to now, 525 have been identified. 18 are still missing, among
them 13 children.
In Sweden, the tsunami has been declared a national disaster.
On December 25, commemorations will be held in Khao Lak, Thailand,
and in Stockholm, Goteborg and Malmo.
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"This
is a journey with strong emotions, not at least for those
who returning for the first time since the disaster,"
explains Susanna Soderstrom, who heads the Swedish Red
Cross assistance program in Thailand.
Photo: Maude Froberg/International Federation (p13538)
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These
beautiful floral arrangements are called krathongs. They
are lit with a candle and set adrift on the sea as part
of traditional remembrance ceremonies in Thailand. The
ceremony which is inspired by one of Thailand's most beautiful
and popular festivals; Loy Krathong, takes place to coincide
with the full moon in November.
Photo: Rebecca Marshall/International Federation (p13539)
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|
 |
|
|
As
the service comes to an end, and sun quickly sets, the
families – by the light of flickering torches –
process down to the beach to set adrift their krathongs
containing a flower, a candle and three incense sticks
which are lit before being placed on the water.
Photo: Rebecca Marshall/International Federation (p13540)
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