The head of the life insurance department of the Rosgosstrakh branch on Sakhalin, Nadezhda D., recalled that working on site was a very difficult psychological test for her. “After the earthquake, we had to help all clients on the spot: draw up statements, notify people, explain how and where to receive insurance compensation,” said an employee of the insurance company.

According to her, it was very difficult morally and psychologically for local employees of Gosstrakh. After all, among them there were those who themselves suffered and whose houses were destroyed.
“The two of us went together—I was given an employee from the directorate, a very young girl, as my partner,” the agent said. — First we were in the village of Okha. There were many insured events in the city itself; in the surrounding villages there was less destruction, since there were no high buildings. For each case, we drew up reports of the event and gave recommendations: what needs to be collected, what documents to submit, so that the owners can then declare their losses.”

According to Nadezhda’s recollections, in Neftegorsk itself everything was much worse. There were ruins everywhere - all that was left of the houses. In the tent where the rescuers’ headquarters were located, he and a colleague posted lists of Gosstrakh clients and an advertisement appealing to people. Those who saw their relatives and friends on this list had to contact the insurance company. People came and they were explained to everyone who was entitled to what amount of insurance, how to get it, and they just talked to calm them down.
The eyewitness also recalled how the village was restored after the devastating earthquake. “I know that after everything was paid very quickly, at Rosgosstrakh such large-scale events are always controlled at the highest level. So many were able to return to a full life in the shortest possible time.”