A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane, Morocco, on Monday at 11:48 PM, with no reported casualties or damages. The tremors were felt in several cities, causing panic reminiscent of the deadly September 2023 earthquake. Following the earlier disaster, Morocco is investing in disaster management initiatives worth MAD 4.72 billion to enhance preparedness and response efforts.
On Monday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted the Ouezzane province in Morocco at 11:48 PM. According to the Moroccan National Institute of Geophysics, the seismic event occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers, with an epicenter near Ksar el-Kebir, part of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Fortunately, no damages or casualties have been reported, yet the incident has reignited fears following the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
Tremors from the recent earthquake were felt as far as 200 kilometers south from the epicenter, affecting various cities, including the capital Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, Tangier, and Tetouan. Although this seismic event did not cause physical harm, reports indicate that it led to widespread panic, with videos circulating online showing individuals evacuating their homes in the middle of the night, reminding many of the tragic 2023 quake.
In response to the destruction from the September 2023 earthquake, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and considerable infrastructure damage, Morocco has implemented enhanced disaster management measures. Abdelouafi Laftit, the Interior Minister, noted that approximately 325 projects, amounting to MAD 4.72 billion (about $471 million), are being funded under the ‘Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities’ program to mitigate future risks.
The recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province has heightened public anxiety, a reflection of the nation’s trauma from previous seismic events. While no immediate harm has been reported, the government remains committed to reinforcing its disaster response and management strategies to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Continued investment in disaster risk reduction will be crucial for the nation’s safety.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
