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The post-disaster psychological impact after a seismic threat in the urban area of the canton jama in the Province of Manabi, Ecuador

Abstract:

This investigation looks at the psychological impact caused by the earthquake that took place on the 16th of April, 2016 in Ecuador. The earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was between the parishes of Perdernales and Cojimies in the canton (district) of Pedernales in the province of Manabí. The earthquake was also felt strongly in five other provinces on the Ecuadorian coast (Guayas, Santa Elena, Los Rios, Santo Domingo and El Oro). The Post-Disaster Psychological Impact after a Seismic Threat research was carried out in a neighborhood called “El Matal” in the canton of Jama in the province of Manabí. El Matal was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake, 95% of the neighborhood suffered the effects, and there were deaths, serious injuries and damages to infrastructure which greatly impacted the local population. In addition to physical injuries, the population was also left with psychological scars. Directly after the earthquake, the priorities were to search for victims, establish shelters and re-establish essential services. As mental health was not a priority, people were not given psychological treatment at the time. Post-traumatic stress usually occurs within the first six months after experiencing a catastrophic event, it can manifest itself through anxiety, shivering, tremors, insomnia and flashbacks.