Morocco Faces New Earthquake Aftershocks Amid Lingering PTSD Challenges
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco, reigniting fears linked to the devastating Atlas earthquake of September 2023. Residents expressed intense anxiety, recalling past traumas and significant losses. Despite minimal damage reported, the emotional impacts remain profound, with many still awaiting aid and psychological support, approximately 500,000 persons are displaced since the previous disaster.
In the early hours of Monday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco, reawakening deep-seated fears and memories from the devastating Atlas earthquake of September 2023. The epicenter was located in the Brikcha commune of Ouazzane, a comparatively safer mountainous region. Residents reported rushing outside in terror, haunted by past losses. Aicha Khayi recounted her fear of losing loved ones again, as she had in the previous disaster, highlighting the emotional toll these events take on the community.
Brikcha, with its 25 villages and approximately 9,400 residents, appears to have escaped significant damage this time. Nasser Jabour, head of the National Institute of Geophysics, affirmed that although some older structures showed minor cracks, the geographical advantages and lower magnitude of this quake prevented major destruction. Local authorities reported no casualties, allowing many to breathe a sigh of relief, though anxiety lingered.
Nonetheless, the tremors triggered feelings of panic across a wide region, from Tangier to Rabat. Residents abandoned their homes, clutching treasured possessions and trying to contact loved ones. Mohamed El-Wardi, from Kenitra, expressed the fear of facing further loss, recalling the tragic implications of the Al-Haouz earthquake. Amidst the anxiety, some residents resorted to spiritual practices, reciting verses in hopes of safeguarding their families.
The emotional aftermath of the recent earthquake is profoundly linked to the past trauma experienced by many Moroccans. Souhail Abounaim from Psychologues Maghreb emphasized that the fear surrounding this quake stemmed from the devastating impacts of the previous one, where almost 3,000 lives were lost, and countless others were injured. Over a year later, approximately 500,000 individuals still await essential support.
In conclusion, the recent earthquake in Morocco has fueled a resurgence of PTSD among residents still grappling with the repercussions of previous seismic events. The community’s response illustrates a deep-seated fear of loss and trauma, exacerbated by inadequate psychological support or resources from the state. The emotional scars of the past remain vivid, and the challenges of recovery persist as many residents continue to live in uncertainty.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
