### The mythology of earthquakes in Egypt: Understanding the feeling of terror beyond seismic reality
The recent earthquake report near Helwan, a city located not far from the Metropolis Dynamics of Cairo, aroused a wave of concern among citizens, despite the assurance of the professor of seismology Amr al-Sharkawy that the event was minor And did not require concern. With a magnitude measured at only 1.8 on the Richter scale, this event brought back to the surface a broader question: what is the perception of earthquakes in Egypt and how it is in a historical and cultural context larger?
### When shackles become fears: reactions to seismicity
Far from being a country recognized for its intense seismic activity, Egypt is rarely associated with earthquakes, but the reality of natural phenomena remains that events like that of Helwan occur daily around the world. In a study by Geological Society of America, it was estimated that, each year, more than 40,000 earthquakes are recorded worldwide, a small fraction of which is actually felt by the populations. The question then remains: why does such a small tremor, barely significant on the Richter scale, causes reactions so lively in a country that has not experienced major seismic cataclysm for decades?
### A culture in the face of nature: the heritage of the ancient monuments
Egypt, with its eternal pyramids and ancient monuments, has a historical richness which makes it particularly sensitive to crises perceived as threatening its stability. Natural calamities are often interpreted in the context of a deeply anchored cultural heritage, where nature manifests itself as a divine force or a curse. The ancestors of modern Egyptians have experienced large -scale tectonic changes, and this collective heritage means that each slight tremor can recall memories of past disasters or significant historical events.
### Seismic education: a vital issue
As part of this cultural context, Professor Sharkawy spoke of the comforting function of the National Seismic Network, which continuously monitors the country’s seismic activity. However, this issue is emblematic of a broader need for proactive seismic education. Studies show that awareness of the science of earthquakes can reduce the anxiety of populations in the face of these events. Initiatives such as educational programs for schools and communication campaigns can help dissipate irrational fears, offering knowledge that results in more serene and informed behaviors during a shock.
### Consider the future: knowledge sharing policies
Another crucial point lies in knowledge sharing and technology at the regional level. Looking at the example of neighboring countries like Greece or Turkey, which are much more subject to high seismic risks, there are advanced alert systems and constant geological studies to prepare populations for possible earthquakes. Egypt could benefit from a strengthening of scientific cooperation and technological exchanges for a more effective anticipation of seismic events.
### Conclusion: Modern reading of the Old World
Thus, far from the simple apprehensions linked to a modest earthquake, this incident in Helwan opens a broader debate on the perception and management of natural events in Egypt. While Professor Sharkawy underlines the ordinary of this type of event, it is essential to understand this phenomenon not only as a question of security, but as an opportunity for education and community strengthening. In a changing world, where knowledge becomes a tool of resilience, an apparently insignificant earthquake could well be the catalyst of deeper reflections on the way we perceive our environment and we prepare for the unexpected.