Serious Issues Over Tsunami Victims from Thailand
Governments Urged to Resolve "Serious Issues" Over Tsunami Victims from Thailand
PHUKET, Feb. 21/MediaNet International-AsiaNet/ --
Governments of nations whose citizens are still missing after the Tsunami disaster in Thailand have been advised that
the identification and return of the several thousand victims may be delayed unnecessarily unless “serious issues” with
the overall management of the process are acknowledged and resolved. These delays can be avoided if prompt action is
taken.
Kenyon International Emergency Services, the world’s leading disaster management company, has invited senior Government
representatives from countries who lost citizens to attend a meeting in Bangkok in early March, at which these issues
will be discussed. Problems which Kenyon has identified include the processing of DNA material, which is being delayed
because individual laboratories currently being used do not have the capability or capacity to process the large volume
of samples from this disaster.
Kenyon was activated within 24 hours of the Tsunami, and has worked alongside the international Disaster Victim
Identification (DVI) teams, supporting various elements of the response. Kenyon was involved because of its unparalleled
experience of responding to mass-fatality events, including the Bali terrorist bombings in Indonesia, the 9/11 attacks
on the United States and numerous airline and transportation accidents.
Robert A. Jensen, Kenyon’s President and Chief Operating Officer, said: “The Thai Government has done everything
possible to facilitate the identification of the victims of this terrible tragedy. Unfortunately, the commendable work
of the DVI teams on the ground is being compromised because of a lack of understanding among many foreign Governments
for the need to resolve problems such as the DNA processing. These issues require a collective, international response.
Every day that the process is delayed extends the suffering and distress of families desperate to find their loved
ones”.
Mr Jensen added: “There is no commercial advantage to Kenyon in highlighting these issues – for example, we do not
offer DNA processing services. However, we have a responsibility to clients and to the families of the victims to speak
up when we see problems developing and to help find solutions”.
Kenyon International Emergency Services is the world’s leading disaster management company and has responded to more
than 300 mass-fatality events in its history. Kenyon works with more than 200 retained clients, including Governments,
international organizations and private companies.
SOURCE: Kenyon Worldwide Disaster Management