Morocco - Recent

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Morocco has been moving ahead with its national campaign to help children and adults deal with the psychic trauma caused by the deadly earthquake that jolted the country one year ago.

The powerful earthquake in Morocco's Atlas Mountain area killed nearly 3,000 people and injured over 5,500 people on September 8, 2023. Many villages were reduced to rubble, numerous were left homeless, and thousands of survivors left traumatized.

One year on, Moroccan specialists say many survivors are still vulnerable, especially traumatized children who were orphaned are in urgent need of help as they grapple with post-earthquake distress.

Hundreds of psychologists have been involved in the national campaign, offering psychological care to earthquake victims through phone consultations and direct aid.

Meanwhile, as reconstruction efforts in the affected areas continue, many believe that rebuilding houses, schools and infrastructure will contribute to survivors' recovery.

The earthquake measured a magnitude 7.0, according to the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research based in the capital Rabat. Its epicenter was located in Al Haouz Province, roughly 70 kilometers south of Marrakesh, causing damages to nearby cities.

Following the earthquake, the school year was interrupted in the devastated villages of Al-Haouz province.

Now as Moroccan students return to school, local authorities are providing access to psychological counselling to help them re-adjust and learn to cope.

Shotlist:
Morocco - Recent:
1. Various of destroyed buildings, rubble, earthquake victims;
2. Various of tents;
Morocco - Sept 4, 2024
3. SOUNDBITE (French, dubbed in English) Jamal Bouzidi, consultant, Moroccan Association for Psychological Care and Support (partially overlaid with shot 4):
"All Moroccan psychologists have actively participated in this program, because there was a huge shock. Some patients lost all members of their families. The survivors were alone, struggling to support an unbearable blow.";
Morocco - Recent
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4. Various of rescue operation underway; rescuers working;
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5. Various of ambulance, other vehicles moving;
6. Warning line;
7. Rescuers, vehicles;
Morocco - Sept 4, 2024 ;
8. SOUNDBITE (French, dubbed in English) Jamal Bouzidi, consultant, Moroccan Association for Psychological Care and Support (partially overlaid with shots 9-10):
"The immediate care and assistance provided by psychologists on the ground and on the phone is very helpful for victims. They know that they are no longer alone. Some children are on the road to recovery with programs such as talk therapy. Despite all the challenges on the ground, this operation is efficient. The result is satisfactory.";
Morocco - Recent
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9. Residents carrying quilt, blanket, walking;
10. People carrying bed; residents outside building
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11. Various of rescuers working; excavator;
12. Various of destroyed buildings;
Morocco - Sept 4, 2024
13. SOUNDBITE (Arabic, dubbed in English) Mohamed Boudet, building contractor (partially overlaid with shot 14):
"The first installment of 20,000 dirhams for housing reconstruction and rehabilitation was received by over 57,000 families. Most of the destroyed houses were temporarily replaced with earthquake-resistant steel structures. Having a shelter after the earthquake provides relief for the people who can begin resuming a normal life.";
Morocco - Recent
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14. Various of destroyed houses, rubble;
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15. Residents;
16. Workers rebuilding houses.

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