Scientific Workshop at Damascus University Auditorium to Assess the Damage Caused by February 6 Earthquake

 A scientific workshop organized by the Higher Institute for Seismic Research and Studies at Damascus University focused on evaluating the damage caused by the February 6, 2023 earthquake, in Aleppo, Latakia, Jableh, Damascus and its suburbs, as well as proposing appropriate solutions.

During the workshop's opening session at the university auditorium, Professor Muhammed Osama Al-Jabban, President of Damascus University, emphasized the importance of the workshop and its specialized topics, as it provides a significant opportunity for experts and interested individuals to present the latest data, information, and results regarding the psychological and social implications of the earthquake disaster on Syrian society, as well as the damages suffered by the affected infrastructure.

Dr. Hala Hassan, Dean of the Higher Institute for Seismic Research and Studies, highlighted that the workshop sheds light, through its speakers, on the events of the February 6 earthquake in a scientific and practical manner, presenting the most important results of the fieldwork carried out by the institute in collaboration with academic and non-academic institutions, each within its respective specialization.

Head of Damascus Branch of the National Union of Syrian Students, Engineer Qasim Al-Ali, acknowledged the significant role played by the students of Damascus University during the earthquake disaster and their contribution to relief efforts.

Director of Civil Defense in Syria, Major General Engineer Safwan Bahhoul, focused on the management of major accidents and the experience of civil defense in relief operations during earthquakes. General Bahhoul affirmed that major accidents which affect vital facilities require a strong and rapid response to mitigate the impact through immediate response, official activities and procedures by the first response team.

Dr. Mazen Al-Shammat, Director of Counseling and Psychological Support Unit at Damascus University, discussed specialized psychological response to traumatic events in general, highlighting the psychological support provided by Damascus University and the teams formed for this purpose, which were dispatched to the affected provinces during the earthquake.

The workshop was attended by Mr. Moutaz Douaji, Deputy Minister of Local Administration, as well as representatives from institutions, centers, and organizations. Also in attendance were the university's vice presidents, several deans of faculties and higher institutes, professors, postgraduate students, and interested individuals.