While Ukraine accuses Russia of blocking evacuations of civilians from Mariupol, those who manage to flee find refuge in the town of Zaporizhia, 250 kilometers west of the besieged port city. Caregivers organize themselves to welcome the refugees and provide them with psychological support.
With our special correspondents in ZaporijiaAnastasia Becchio and Boris Vichith
On Monday April 4, the coaches were unable to reach Mariupol under siege, according to the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister. Irina Verechchuk accuses the Russian army of blocking attempts to evacuate civilians by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Every day, residents of Mariupol still manage to flee the city. But the suffering is far from over.
In a shopping center in Zaporijia, 250 kilometers west of Mariupol, a corner transformed into an infirmary welcomes newly arrived displaced people. Caregivers take turns to welcome the survivors of Mariupol. More than once, psychologist Elena Ipatova had to go to the cars parked in the parking lot to get completely lost people out of them.
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“ The first thingshe explains, it is to bring them out of the state of stupor in which they are, so that they understand that they are safe, that they must satisfy their basic needs: to go to the toilet, to drink water, to wash. Because people are in a state of inhibition, they cling to their car seat and they are lost. There are no more shots, they are safe, but they have no idea what to do. »
The vast majority of displaced people from Mariupol only pass through Zaporijia before reaching another region of Ukraine, or even abroad. The bulk of the psychological work will be done there, points out Maria, another psychologist. “ When we face difficult situationsshe reports, the psyche is mobilized and we can hold on. But when the danger passes, you relax, and that’s when everything comes out. There will be a lot of work. »
According to the mayor of Mariupol, some 90,000 residents have been able to leave the city in recent weeks.
