A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Ouezzane province at 11:48 PM. No damages or casualties have been reported, but the quake caused panic reminiscent of the deadly 2023 earthquake. The government is implementing disaster management measures with significant funding to enhance preparedness for future seismic events.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Morocco’s Ouezzane province late on Monday at 11:48 PM. According to Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics, the tremors occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers, with the epicenter located near Ksar el-Kebir in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, specifically at coordinates 34.954 degrees north latitude and 5.635 degrees west longitude. Although no damage or fatalities have been reported, the earthquake elicited panic, reminiscent of the devastation caused by a previous earthquake in September 2023 that resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths.
The tremors from this latest earthquake were felt across a wide area, including cities approximately 200 kilometers south of the epicenter, such as Rabat, Fez, and Casablanca. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with individuals evacuating their homes amid fears reminiscent of the catastrophic events of last year’s earthquake, which destroyed around 60,000 homes in addition to claiming many lives.
In response to the tragic events of 2023, the Moroccan government has taken steps to enhance disaster management efforts. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced that approximately 325 projects have been funded under a program dedicated to disaster risk reduction, amounting to a total of MAD 4.72 billion (approximately $471 million). Such initiatives are intended to provide better preparedness and response mechanisms for future seismic events.
Furthermore, this program has reportedly received financial backing from the designated Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which accounts for about one-third of the total program budget. These proactive measures showcase the government’s commitment to learning from past disasters and improving the country’s resilience to potential future earthquakes.
In conclusion, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province has once again highlighted the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. While this event resulted in no immediate damage or casualties, it stirred fear among residents due to the memory of the 2023 disaster. The government’s ongoing investment in disaster risk reduction and management efforts reflects a strategic commitment to enhance resilience against future earthquakes.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
