How to Support Yourself and Others After an Earthquake

The earthquake that impacted Bangkok, Thailand and Myanmar on Friday March 28th has cost many lives, and caused potentially trillions of baht in property damage. It has also affected the mental health of millions and will continue to influence the decision-making of Bangkokites in the days and weeks ahead. Below is a short guide on how disasters influence us, and what we can do to support our communities and our colleagues.

During the immediate aftermath

People may engage in problem-focused behaviours, helping others with evacuation, seeking information to share with the group, or providing aid to others is common. If people feel able to help they will, this offer the means to regain control and reduce uncertainty.

We saw this on Friday, motorcycle repair shops giving cold water to people seeking shelter away from tall buildings in the park, people using social media to share information to help people feel informed, and fire wardens helping their colleagues get out of building safely, people from all walks of life

In the days after the earthquake

Some people are likely to overestimate the likelihood of another earthquake happening because the recent event is vivid and fresh in memory. This can influence decision-making around safety precautions, insurance purchases, or even relocation.

What can be done to help?

Provide clear information over email, Line, WhatsApp, whatever your community uses about the actual likelihood of another earthquake happening soon. Keep the updated regularly.

Others may underestimate future risks due to a belief that “it won’t happen again” or “lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice.” This bias can hinder preparation efforts or cause people to downplay safety recommendations.

What can be done to help?

Create personalized risk assessments like these about how to check for damage, even if it's only re-sharing content from the authorities.

‍

Some may prefer to continue their routines or avoid making drastic changes unless absolutely necessary, especially if they perceive the risk as low after the event.

Encourage public pledges or social commitments to enhance preparedness, which can increase follow-through and reduce inertia.

In the weeks and months following the disaster

Some people may avoid certain locations (e.g., high-rise buildings, areas where damage occurred) or situations that remind individuals of the event.

Others may become hypervigilant, becoming acutely sensitive to environmental cues, such as noises or vibrations that resemble an earthquake. This can lead to difficulty concentrating or relaxing. I can admit to having felt this way since Friday.

Many may have difficulty concentrating and feelings of anxiety and stress and worry can reduce limit our mental capacity, making it hard to focus on work or daily tasks.

What can be done to help?

Provide accurate, reliable information about safety improvements, building standards, and warning systems.

Break tasks into smaller, manageable parts and setting realistic goals to reduce cognitive load. Using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (focused work intervals followed by short breaks) can help us improve productivity.

We are grateful to have seen the best of Bangkok these past few days, and hope that this small contribution can help us understand and serve our communities better in the weeks and months ahead.

‍

‍