New Earthquake in Morocco Raises Fears and PTSD Among Residents
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco on Monday, reigniting fears stemming from the 2023 Atlas earthquake. While Brikcha experienced no significant damage, residents faced renewed anxiety and trauma related to the earlier quake. Local experts warn of potential PTSD among those affected, with calls for more substantial psychological support amid lingering emotional distress from past disasters.
On Monday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco shortly before midnight, affecting areas as far as Rabat and triggering profound anxiety among residents. The quake’s epicenter was located in the Brikcha commune, part of the Ouazzane province, a region less rugged than the Atlas Mountains, where memories of a devastating 2023 earthquake remain vivid.
A local inhabitant, Aicha Khayi, recounted her terrifying experience: “I was almost asleep when I felt the ground shaking beneath me. I ran outside and tried to wake up my neighbours.” Khayi expressed her fears of being trapped under rubble and losing loved ones, as she had in the earlier quake that claimed relatives in the Atlas region.
Brikcha is home to approximately 9,400 residents across 25 villages, with infrastructure more intact compared to the hard-hit Atlas. Nasser Jabour, head of the National Institute of Geophysics, minimized concerns about destruction, noting some older buildings showed cracks but no major damage ensued, thanks to the locality’s geography.
Local reports indicated no casualties or significant harm from the quake. Authorities initially advised nearby residents to remain outdoors to monitor potential aftershocks. However, the impact of fear spread throughout the region, prompting people from Tangier to Rabat to evacuate their homes, some clutching valuables while attempting to reach loved ones.
“Last time, we did not know anything until morning. I lost relatives in the Al-Haouz earthquake,” said Mohamed El-Wardi from Kenitra, reflecting on the trauma. As residents gathered to recite prayers for safety, the specter of prior devastation loomed large, exacerbated by memories of the September 2023 earthquake, which resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and left many displaced.
Souhail Abounaim, a member of Psychologues Maghreb, noted the psychological toll on those affected by both quakes, many suffering from symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He pointed out the government’s lack of support, stating, “The state is offering nothing,” and emphasized the need for long-term psychological assistance in quake-affected areas as many Moroccans continue to grapple with trauma.
In summary, the recent earthquake in Morocco rekindled fears associated with the tragic events of the 2023 disaster, leading to widespread anxiety and a resurgence of PTSD symptoms among residents. Despite the lack of physical damage reported in Brikcha, the emotional scars from past earthquakes remain fresh. Psychologists stress the urgent need for psychological support, which is currently deficient, underscoring the long road to recovery for many in affected communities.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
