On February 25, 2025, the psychological and physical impacts of the February earthquake and its aftershocks continued to reverberate through different regions. Communities affected by the seismic activity are grappling with the aftermath, seeking safety and assistance.
The earthquake, which registered significantly on the Richter scale, struck various regions, causing wide-scale panic among the populace. Reports indicate the seismic event primarily affected the northern areas, leading to infrastructural damages and leaving many residents homeless.
Over the past weeks, authorities have worked diligently to provide aid to those displaced. Relief teams have been deployed to the worst-impact zones, distributing food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter to families who lost their homes. According to the Asian Disaster Response Network, over 5,000 individuals have been impacted directly by the earthquake, with many still awaiting rescue and recovery efforts.
People across the regions are still coming to terms with the disaster, recounting their experiences of the tremors. "I thought the world was ending," expressed Aisha ibn Khalid, who lives near the epicenter. "When the ground shook, I could barely stand; it felt like my entire life was flipping upside down." Many share similar sentiments of fear and uncertainty about their futures.
Local hospitals report receiving numerous patients with injuries ranging from minor to severe, attributed to the earthquake's shocks. Authorities emphasized the need for mental health resources as the psychological effects manifest among survivors. Dr. Noor Rahman, head of mental health services at Health First, stated, "It’s important to address not just physical injuries, but also the emotional and psychological scars such disasters can cause. We need to make counseling sessions available for those affected, especially children who may be traumatized by what they've witnessed.”
The situation worsened on February 26, when aftershocks—some strong enough to cause additional minor damages—added to the worries of the population. Buildings, already weakened by the first earthquake, suffered new cracks, bringing fears of collapse. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and evacuate buildings deemed unsafe.
Efforts to assess the full extent of the destruction are underway, and local governments urge residents to follow safety protocols and listen for alerts from emergency services. Many community centers are being converted to temporary shelters, providing refuge for those who find themselves without homes.
Critics of the local government's initial response have noted delays and inefficiencies, calling for more urgent measures to protect residents. Activist Omar Said argued, "We need to invest more resources now. This is about saving lives, not just restoring buildings." Fortunately, donations are pouring in from neighboring regions and international organizations, directing funds and resources to aid recovery.
Relief programs have also sparked concern with dwindling supplies due to the high demand following the quake. Local leaders have called for volunteers to help with distribution efforts, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration. Thousands have stepped forward, offering their time to help fellow residents and build up the resilience of their neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, experts are researching the seismic activity of the region, analyzing data for insights to improve future preparedness. Geological scientist Dr. Latif Hasan emphasized, "Understanding the patterns of these quakes can guide us on how to respond and prepare for possible future events. We must learn from this disaster to improve our future resilience."
Looking forward, the government is also developing educational programs aimed at raising awareness of earthquake preparedness among residents, especially children. Plans include community workshops and school programs inspired by lessons learned from the February earthquake.
With recovery efforts still underway, the lasting impact of the February earthquake is evident throughout the affected regions. Survivors are slowly finding ways to rebuild their lives, urging each other to stay hopeful amid uncertainty. The community's solidarity during this challenging time stands as a beacon of resilience.