Life has come full circle for Supriya Sahu, who was a joint secretary in the department of health and family welfare when the tsunami struck. She was one of the special officers in-charge of several villages in Nagapattinam district. Today, as the additional chief secretary in the department, she recalls how post tsunami works repurposed her career as a bureaucrat, in an interview with SV Krishna Chaitanya. Edited excerpts:
Do you have any relief work moment that stayed with you?
One image that stays with me is from a mass burial I witnessed on a beach at Vizhandu Mavadi, one of the villages under my charge. Among the bodies was a little girl wearing a silver anklet. Watching her being laid to rest broke my heart into pieces. It was a moment that changed me forever and reinforced the urgency of our mission.
What were the immediate challenges?
The devastation was total. Villages were filled with the stench of death, and essential services like water and electricity had to be restored. We worked 24/7 to address these needs. Another critical challenge was preventing disease outbreaks, given the unhygienic conditions. To start with, all the drinking water wells were cleaned on war footing, freshly cooked food was served, bottled water was provided. WHO and UNICEF teams were there to provide guidance. We ensured there was no outbreak of diseases, which would otherwise have claimed more lives adding to the grief.
How did the fishermen react to the tsunami?
The fishermen were terrified. For generations, they had worshipped the ocean as their provider, but now it had destroyed their lives and taken their loved ones. They were too scared to go near the sea. To rebuild their trust, we special officers took the first boat rides into the ocean with them. By the time we returned to shore, we could see hope returning to their faces.
What steps were taken to address the emotional trauma of the survivors?
We set up grief counselling camps with therapists to provide psychological support. Many families had lost every loved one. While counselling couldn’t take away their pain, it gave them a space to express their grief and begin coping. We initiated a programme where coconut trees were planted in memory of the deceased. Each sapling represented a life lost. Families planted multiple trees, reflecting the magnitude of their loss. It was a poignant and healing gesture that helped many cope with their grief.
What did this experience teach you about your role as an officer?
The tsunami reminded me of the immense responsibility we bear as public servants. Our role is not just to restore physical infrastructure but also to support people emotionally and rebuild their lives. It was an unforgettable lesson in resilience and duty.