One month since the Beirut explosion, children's psychological consequences concern United Nations

Beirut 1 month after large-scale explosion Children's psychological impact Concerns United Nations 4 September 20:37

It's been a month since the massive explosion in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, in the Middle East.

The UN is concerned about the psychological effects of the explosion on children, and has called for immediate medical care such as therapy.

According to the UNICEF-United Nations Children's Fund, 4 people were killed, more than 1,000 were injured, and about 100,000 were damaged at home, according to the investigation on the damage to children under 18 due to the explosion in Beirut. It is believed to have been received.

“The psychological impact of the explosion on children, the so-called trauma, is great.” Yuki Arao, head of UNICEF Lebanon Office, said in an interview with NHK. On the contrary, there are also cases where they use aggressive behavior,” he said.

As a measure, UNICEF works with local NGOs and other organizations to regularly hold therapy to reduce children's stress by playing games and drawing in the park in Beirut.

“Reconstruction of Beirut is not only about the reconstruction of buildings, but it is also necessary to create a society in which children and adults can live safely and safely with their children. Support is very important.” and urges the children to take immediate psychological care.

Therapy for children's fears and traumas

UNICEF=Youth Hosam, who lives in Beirut, who participated in a therapy held by the United Nations Children's Fund and a local NGO, is 9 years old.

Yousef, who was about a kilometer away from the scene, had an explosion with his parents and siblings, the doors and windows of the house were blown away, and part of the ceiling collapsed.

His father was injured by shards of glass and his mother bumped into a blown door for a moment, fainting, but the family evacuated, wondering if neighboring Israel had attacked.

Yousef said of the time, "I was afraid and I cried a lot. The explosion broke Beirut. The house broke and a lot of people died. I'm still scared when I remember."

Mother Sarah said of Yusef, "I used to be a gentle child before the explosion, but now I get angry and pull clothes when I pay attention. After the explosion, I became angry." I am.

Sarah was worried that Yusef's emotional ups and downs were getting severe, but he learned that the United Nations and others were doing therapy and he participated.

The person in charge of the NGO who planned the therapy said, “There are many cases where children store fear and trauma in their hearts. While preparing for an environment where children can play comfortably, I want to help them overcome them."