Morocco’s Resilience Tested as New Earthquake Triggers PTSD Concerns

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco, reviving traumatic memories of the devastating 2023 Atlas earthquake. While the quake did not result in significant physical damage, the psychological impact was severe, with many residents experiencing heightened anxiety and PTSD. Support organizations highlight the urgent need for mental health resources, as the government has been criticized for offering minimal aid.

A recent earthquake struck northern Morocco just before midnight, registering at a magnitude of 5.2. The quake heightened the anxiety of residents who were reminded of the catastrophic 2023 Atlas earthquake, which resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. The epicenter of this earthquake was located in the Brikcha commune, within Ouazzane province, an area considerably less rugged than the Atlas mountains.

Residents described harrowing moments during the tremor, such as Aicha Khayi who recounted her terror of collapse and loss, reminiscent of her experience during the September 2023 disaster that claimed distant relatives. Brikcha, characterized by its accessibility compared to the more remote Atlas villages, houses approximately 9,400 residents across 25 villages.

Nasser Jabour, the head of the National Institute of Geophysics, reassured the public that the damage was minimal, noting that while some minor cracks appeared in older infrastructures, nothing significant occurred. Local authorities reported no casualties or severe damage, prompting them to advise residents to remain outside as a precaution against potential aftershocks.

The tremors affected many beyond Brikcha, leading residents from cities like Tangier to Rabat to flee their homes in fear, many clutching belongings and reaching out to loved ones. Mohamed El-Wardi, a Kenitra resident, expressed his concerns surrounding the emotional toll of these repeated earthquakes, bringing his past losses to the forefront of his mind.

The psychological impact of the 2023 quake appears to have generated heightened anxiety and fear, as stated by Souhail Abounaim of Psychologues Maghreb, an organization providing free psychological support. Nearly 3,000 casualties and over 5,600 injuries were documented in the earlier disaster, with 500,000 individuals still displaced.

Abounaim expressed the organization’s ongoing efforts to assist those affected, emphasizing the need for sustained resources to address PTSD, which had manifested in many individuals since the last earthquake. Furthermore, he criticized the government’s lack of psychological support for those suffering from trauma post-disaster.

The recent earthquake in northern Morocco exacerbated pre-existing psychological traumas stemming from the devastating Atlas earthquake in 2023. Although the physical damage remained limited, the emotional scars and PTSD have significantly impacted local residents. Community organizations are striving to provide support, yet systemic assistance from the state remains insufficient for addressing the ongoing mental health crisis in this region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com