Counsellors to help blast survivors

DENPASAR, Bali: A group of 30 psychiatrists expressed readiness to help survivors of the weekend terrorist attack who remain traumatized by the incident, which has killed 184 people and injured some 300 others.

Head of the professional association in Bali Luh Ketut Suryani said they would be available for both individual and public consultation at the compound of the Bali council building on Saturday.

"Without immediate treatment of the survivors' and locals' mental state, the situation here will worsen," she was quoted by Antara as saying.

Suryani said one of her patients, whose husband died in the blast, told her that she was haunted by the illusion of being trapped by fire.

She also suggested hotel owners and employers, doctors, paramedics, volunteers and even journalists have a consultation if they show symptoms of distress.--Antara