Morocco Faces Renewed Trauma After Latest Earthquake Reviving Past Fears

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco, triggering fear and memories of the 2023 Atlas tragedy. Brikcha reported no significant damage, yet residents expressed anxiety about potential losses, revealing ongoing trauma. Psychologists indicate many may face PTSD due to previous earthquakes, and governmental support is lacking in addressing these psychological needs.

Late Monday night, Morocco experienced a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter located in the Brikcha commune, Ouazzane province. The tremors reached as far as Rabat, triggering widespread anxiety and reviving traumatic memories from the devastating Atlas earthquake in September 2023. Residents like Aicha Khayi reported fear of potential destruction and loss of loved ones, emotions deeply rooted in their experiences from the earlier quake.

Brikcha, which consists of 25 villages and approximately 9,400 inhabitants, possesses a relatively accessible infrastructure compared to the remote, precariously connected villages in the Atlas region. Nasser Jabour, head of the National Institute of Geophysics, stated that the geographic characteristics of Brikcha, coupled with the magnitude of the recent quake, lessened the likelihood of significant devastation. Local authorities have reported no casualties or major damage from the earthquake thus far, affirming the safety of the region.

Despite the reassurance, fear transcended Brikcha’s borders as residents from Tangier to Rabat evacuated their homes. Many residents expressed their distress over potential losses, recalling previous tragedies. Mohamed El-Wardi, a Kenitra resident, emphasized his fear and dread associated with losing family members again, invoking painful memories of the Al-Haouz disaster.

In the aftermath, countless Moroccans remained outdoors throughout the night, haunted by visual memories of the destruction from the September quake. Souhail Abounaim, a representative from Psychologues Maghreb, noted that the emotional distress following the recent earthquake was linked to the lingering trauma from the 2023 disaster. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, with hundreds of thousands still displaced, worsening the long-term psychological impacts.

Psychologues Maghreb has highlighted that many Moroccans might be experiencing PTSD related to the previous earthquake. Unfortunately, the lack of governmental support and awareness has hindered the process of healing, leaving residents with unresolved trauma. Abounaim remarked on the need for ongoing resource allocation and support, mentioning, “The state is offering nothing.”

The recent earthquake in Morocco has reignited deep-seated fears and trauma from the catastrophic events of 2023, with many residents exhibiting signs of PTSD. The lack of significant damage in Brikcha provides some relief; however, the emotional toll remains severe as past experiences continue to haunt the population. Support from mental health organizations is crucial, yet governmental assistance appears insufficient, complicating the recovery process for affected families.

Original Source: www.newarab.com