Latest Earthquake in Morocco Triggers PTSD Among Residents
A recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco, reviving traumatic memories from the 2023 Atlas earthquake. While structural damage appears minimal, psychological distress has risen among residents grappling with PTSD. Concerns regarding insufficient governmental mental health support persist, highlighting the ongoing need for resources to assist affected individuals.
On the night of Monday, a fresh earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck northern Morocco, its tremors felt as far as Rabat. This incident quickly rekindled memories of the devastating 2023 Atlas earthquake, leading to widespread fear within the community. The epicenter was identified in the Brikcha commune of Ouazzane province, a region characterized by its less rugged mountainous terrain compared to the Atlas region.
Residents of Brikcha experienced immediate panic, with local inhabitants such as Aicha Khayi expressing her terror of being trapped under debris, reminiscent of the casualties experienced in the September 2023 earthquake. Brikcha itself is a rural area with approximately 9,400 residents and several accessible villages, which may have aided evacuation efforts compared to more isolated regions.
Nasser Jabour, head of the National Institute of Geophysics, reported minimal structural damage post-earthquake, indicating that while some cracks had appeared in old buildings, no widespread destruction akin to that in Al-Haouz was anticipated. Local officials asserted that there were no casualties or significant damages resulting from the quake.
In the aftermath of the tremors, residents were advised to remain outdoors, anticipating possible aftershocks. However, the anxiety was palpable, with evacuations reported not only in Brikcha but extending across cities like Tangier and Rabat. Many individuals fled their homes, some carrying cherished belongings.
The psychological impact was felt acutely, as noted by Mohamed El-Wardi, a resident of Kenitra, who lost family in the previous catastrophe. Communities gathered in prayer, depicting the collective trauma experienced, as concerns persisted regarding safety in light of vivid memories from the September disaster that caused nearly 3,000 fatalities.
According to Souhail Abounaim of Psychologues Maghreb, fears and distress heightened due to shared historical trauma from the Al-Haouz disaster. The lingering effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) continue to resonate across populations, with approximately 500,000 individuals still displaced and awaiting necessary support from the authorities after the previous earthquake.
Despite endeavors from organizations like Psychologues Maghreb to provide psychological assistance, challenges remain due to inadequate governmental support. The recent quake has exacerbated existing mental health issues, highlighting the prolonged need for comprehensive resources to aid affected individuals.
Abounaim expressed frustration regarding state support, noting: “The state is offering nothing.” This sentiment underscores the urgent requirement for increased attention to mental health resources in aiding recovery for those experiencing the aftermath of natural disasters.
The latest earthquake in Morocco, though less damaging than previous quakes, has reignited psychological distress among the population, primarily due to the traumatic memories of the 2023 Atlas earthquake. With no significant structural damages reported, anxiety remains high as residents experience symptoms of PTSD, compounded by an evident lack of governmental support for mental health services. Organizations continue to strive for recovery assistance amidst ongoing challenges, emphasizing the necessity for long-term resources to address the psychological scars left by these disasters.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
