On Monday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco, causing fear and distress reminiscent of the catastrophic 2023 Atlas earthquake. The quake, centered in Brikcha, resulted in minor structural damage but reignited traumatic memories for many residents across the region, highlighting the ongoing psychological challenges stemming from past disasters. Reports indicate a lack of adequate governmental support for mental health, with organizations like Psychologues Maghreb working to address the needs of those affected.
On Monday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco just before midnight, sending tremors felt as far as Rabat. The quake revived traumatic memories from the devastating 2023 Atlas earthquake, causing widespread fear among the populace. The epicenter was located in Brikcha, a mountainous commune in the province of Ouazzane, which is characterized by more accessible roads compared to the severely affected Atlas region.
Residents expressed their panic following the tremors. Aicha Khayi, a Brikcha resident, recounted, “I was almost asleep when I felt the ground shaking beneath me. I ran outside and tried to wake up my neighbours.” Her fear stemmed from previous losses experienced during the September 2023 earthquake, where distant relatives perished.
Brikcha, home to approximately 9,400 residents, suffered minimal structural damage, with only minor cracks reported in older buildings, according to Nasser Jabour, head of the National Institute of Geophysics. He emphasized that the geographical features of Brikcha, combined with the lower intensity of the quake, made significant destruction unlikely.
Local authorities, as reported by the Maghreb Arab Press, confirmed no casualties or major damage from the recent quake. They advised nearby residents to remain outside temporarily while assessing potential aftershocks. Nevertheless, the earthquake’s psychological impact extended beyond Brikcha, with residents from other cities, such as Kenitra and Tangier, fleeing their homes in fear of further disaster.
Survivors of the 2023 Al-Haouz earthquake expressed their anxieties. “Last time, we did not know anything until morning. I lost relatives in the Al-Haouz earthquake,” lamented Mohamed El-Wardi, a Kenitra resident. As fear gripped the population, many chose to spend the night outdoors, haunted by memories of past devastation.
Souhail Abounaim, from Psychologues Maghreb, noted the psychological toll stemming from the earlier disaster. Many Moroccans are still dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), exacerbated by the recent quake. Reports indicate that approximately 500,000 individuals remain displaced, without adequate governmental psychological support.
In conclusion, the recent earthquake in northern Morocco has resurrected deep-seated fears linked to the catastrophic 2023 quakes, resulting in widespread psychological distress among residents. Despite reports indicating low physical damage, the emotional scars from past events linger, sparking concerns about the lack of adequate mental health support for those impacted. The ongoing efforts by organizations like Psychologues Maghreb highlight a significant gap in governmental response to psychological trauma in the aftermath of such disasters.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
