This is a summary of the presentations and discussion of the Gender Dimensions and Human Rights Aspects toResponses and Recovery of the Conference, Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Phuket, Thailand, 04–06 May 2005. The topics discussed included issues related to gender dimensions and human rights pertaining to the responses to the damage created by the Tsunami. It is pr presented in the following major sections: wing (1) gaps encountered and major issues; (2) limitations of response; (3) what could have been done better?; and (4) recommendations.

A fire developed in a facility being used as a discotheque that resulted in death for 63 young people. The rescue operations, ambulance responses, medical care provided at the scene, hospital operations, and psychosocial responses are described. Bodies blocked the exit and many survivors had to evacuate by leaping from windows. A total of 16 ambulances were used. Survivors and people not directly involved in the incident created disturbances and some even attacked responders. Many of those who escaped early suffered mild inhalation injuries and those who escaped later, sustained more severe inhalation injuries. High levels of both carbon-monoxide and cyanide were detected at autopsy. A total of 213 persons were transported to hospitals, 85 by ambulance. Most who died at the scene had severe burn injuries, were unconscious, or suffered from fire-gas injuries. A total of 150 victims were admitted to a hospital, of which 74 (49.3%) required intensive care. Only one of the four hospitals actuated a disaster alert. Psychosocial support was complicated due the multicultural characteristics of those involved. Support to the survivors and relatives of the victims was provided by representatives of various religious organization, non-profit organizations, and by the government of Gothenburg. Many recommendations are provided to better prepare for future events.

This is a summary of the presentations and discussion of Funding Policies and Practices of the Conference,Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Phuket, Thailand, 04–06 May 2005. The topics discussed included issues related to funding policies and practices as pertain to the responses to the damage created by the Tsunami. It is presented in the following major sections: (1) issues from the perspectives of (a) donors, and (b) recipients; (2) coordination; (3) conclusions; (4) the size of the response; (5) measuring the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) as a financial instrument; (6) other issues; (7) lessons learned; and (8) recommendations. Topics discussed in the other issues section include: (1) data; (2) sustainability; (3) capacity building; (4) unspecified funding; and (5) links to aid for development. Subsections of the lessons learned session include: (1) examining the WHO from the donor perspective; and (2) donor community practices.

Extensive flooding occurred in Poland in 1997 and in Sweden in 2000. These events and their management are reviewed in this Report. The floods in Poland were more extensive than in Sweden as they covered some 10% of Poland's landmass. An estimated 55 persons died as a direct result of the floods in Poland and none were reported due to the flood in Sweden. No epidemics were encountered in either country, presumably related to the extensive use of bottled water and radio instructions to boil all water before its use. The water supply was interrupted and untreated water was taken into the water distribution systems. Chlorination of the water supplies was added in Sweden. Sewage and refuse management was problematic. The heathcare system was impacted profoundly in Poland both by direct damage to hospitals and/or loss of essential services such as electricity and water supplies. Government responses are described with the needs in Poland being extensive including the need for outside assistance. Some pathways used for obtaining aid were outside of government coordination. Comprehensive conclusions and recommendations derived from the observations are provided.

This is a summary of the presentations and discussion of Panel 2.5, Mass-Casualty Management and Hospital Care of the Conference, Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization in Phuket, Thailand, 04–06 May 2005. The topics discussed included issues related to mass-casualty management and hospital care as pertain to the responses to the damage created by the Tsunami. It is presented in the following major sections: wing (1) key questions; (2) recommendations; and (3) conclusions. Subsections of the conclusion section include: (1) lessons learned; (2) what was done well?; and (3) what could have been done better?.