Morocco Faces Another Earthquake, PTSD Haunts Communities Again
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit northern Morocco, reviving trauma from the 2023 Atlas earthquake. Residents expressed fear and anxiety, recalling past losses. Officials reported no significant damage or casualties, but psychological impacts remain significant, highlighting the need for ongoing support for affected communities.
Another earthquake struck northern Morocco shortly before midnight, registering a magnitude of 5.2. This tremor was felt as far away as the capital, Rabat. The anxiety stemming from this event was palpable, as it resurfaced painful memories from the devastating Atlas earthquake earlier in 2023, which resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Brikcha commune, a mountainous region in the province of Ouazzane, characterized by its relatively accessible terrain compared to the remote Atlas area. A resident of Brikcha, Aicha Khayi, recounted her experience, stating, “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 profound fear of fatalities and injury, recalling her losses during the previous disaster. Brikcha, home to approximately 9,400 residents in 25 villages, is less impacted by accessibility issues than the Atlas region, marked by precarious road conditions.
Nasser Jabour, head of the National Institute of Geophysics, reassured the public, stating, “There won’t be destruction like in Al-Haouz. Some old buildings have developed cracks, but nothing major.” Authorities confirmed no casualties or major structural damage as a result of Monday’s quake.
Following the earthquake, local officials recommended that residents near the epicenter remain outdoors while assessing aftershock risks. Fear spread beyond Brikcha, prompting residents from Tangier to Rabat to vacate their homes, many clutching valuables and contacting family members in the disaster area.
Mohamed El-Wardi, a Kenitra resident, highlighted the importance of knowing the situation after this earthquake, saying, “Last time, we didn’t know anything until morning. I lost relatives in the Al-Haouz earthquake.” Nearby, an elderly woman recited prayers, and others expressed anxiety about their loved ones’ safety.
Cumulatively, individuals across multiple cities chose to remain outside overnight, haunted by visions of the previous disaster—collapsed buildings and unclaimed victims. “The fear and distress after yesterday’s earthquake are linked to many Moroccans’ past experiences with the Al-Haouz disaster,” shared Souhail Abounaim from Psychologues Maghreb, an organization providing psychological support.
The devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco in 2023 resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and over 5,600 injuries. Even after a year, around 500,000 individuals are displaced, awaiting necessary support for rebuilding their lives. Abounaim indicated that PTSD has been prevalent since the 2023 catastrophe, affecting many Moroccans.
Abounaim emphasized the persistent need for assistance, saying, “We’re still working with other activists in the quake-struck areas to help people. There’s effort—but this is a long-term process that requires a lot of resources.” He criticized the government’s lack of psychological support for affected populations, remarking, “The state is offering nothing.”
The recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in northern Morocco has reignited fears linked to the catastrophic 2023 Atlas earthquake, which left numerous psychological scars on affected communities. Despite the relative accessibility of Brikcha and the absence of major damage, the psychological aftermath, exacerbated by inadequate state support, signifies a growing need for mental health resources and community support to help individuals cope with their trauma.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
