Responses to the tsunami

Professor of Forensic Anthropology Sue Black made an unconventional contribution to this year's Discovery Day presentations. Having joined the international identification effort in the wake of the tsunami disaster, Sue carried out an interview over the telephone from Phuket in Thailand, which was recorded and broadcast to the audience in the Bonar Hall. In the piece she spoke about her involvement in the identification effort in Phuket, the site of the two mortuaries which were servicing the whole of Thailand.

She said, "You have to operate very quickly, you don't have time to deliberate because as time goes on it becomes more difficult to make identifications."

According to Sue, the identification process could go on for years to come. She explained, "After the initial identification process has taken place, the wait begins for finger print and DNA analysis, which may help us to identify more of the victims. The enormity of the task means that there are tens of thousands of people who may never be identified."

Despite working in such horrific circumstances Sue reported that the spirits of the international relief workers were high. "All nationalities have pulled together well, even though in different circumstances diplomatic relations might have been strained."

The University has also been playing its part to assist with fundraising for the relief effort. The Bonar Hall was loaned free of charge for one evening for a fundraising concert in aid of the tsunami appeal. The concert featured a host of local bands, plus stand-up comedy from former Rector Fred MacAulay.

Student Services are providing help and support to any students who have been affected by the tsunami. The department can also put students in touch with others at Abertay and St Andrews universities who have been affected by the disaster. For information contact Irene Donaldson i.donaldson@dundee.ac.uk

The University cash office is accepting donations of cash or cheques to the Tsunami appeal. All donations will be presented to the Lord Provost's appeal for the disaster relief fund.