A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco, particularly affecting the Brikcha commune. While no significant damage was reported, fears stemming from the traumatic 2023 Atlas earthquake resurfaced among residents, many of whom are grappling with PTSD. The psychological toll of these natural disasters is compounded by inadequate mental health support from the government.
In northern Morocco, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurred shortly before midnight on Monday, with tremors felt as far away as the capital, Rabat. The quake brought back painful memories from the 2023 Atlas earthquake, which caused significant devastation. The epicenter was identified in the Brikcha commune, located within Ouazzane province, a mountainous area that is less rugged than the Atlas mountains.
Aicha Khayi, a local resident, described her panic as she experienced the tremors, recalling her fear of being trapped under debris and fearing for her loved ones, reflecting on the loss she faced during the previous disaster. The Brikcha region, home to approximately 9,400 individuals living across 25 villages, is more accessible than the isolated areas of the Atlas, potentially mitigating destruction.
According to Nasser Jabour, the head of the National Institute of Geophysics, Brikcha’s geography and the strength of the quake indicate that significant destruction is unlikely. Local authorities reported no casualties or serious damage following the earthquake, with some minor cracks in older structures. Residents were advised to remain outdoors temporarily until the risk of aftershocks could be fully assessed.
Despite the lack of substantial damage in Brikcha, anxiety spread throughout the region, with individuals from Tangier to Rabat evacuating their homes and expressing their fears through frantic calls to loved ones. Mohamed El-Wardi, a resident from Kenitra, articulated his anxiety stemming from a previous tragedy, emphasizing his community’s vulnerability to further trauma and loss.
In response to the unrest, residents turned to prayer and support; many chose to remain outside in the cold due to their fears associated with the previous earthquake’s aftermath. Souhail Abounaim of Psychologues Maghreb highlighted that the emotional distress experienced was deeply rooted in the traumatic memories of the Al-Haouz disaster, which resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and left over half a million people displaced.
Abounaim expressed concern over the psychological toll from these recurring disasters, noting that many individuals exhibit symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He stated that the government has provided minimal support for mental health recovery, making the process of healing arduous without adequate resources. The reoccurrence of seismic activity has intensified psychological challenges for many Moroccans recovering from the devastation of past earthquakes.
The recent earthquake in northern Morocco reignited trauma from the devastating 2023 Atlas earthquake, leading many residents to experience heightened anxiety and emotional distress. While the physical impact of the quake appears to be minimal, the psychological effects are profound, with many individuals struggling with PTSD. The lack of substantial governmental support for mental health resources exacerbates this situation, highlighting a critical area that requires urgent attention as communities seek to heal from repeated tragedies.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
