A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane Province, Morocco, with no reported damage. The tremors were felt across various cities, alarming residents still affected by the deadly 2023 earthquake. The government is enhancing its disaster management policies, funding numerous prevention projects.
On Monday evening, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Ouezzane Province, northern Morocco, as confirmed by the National Institute of Geophysics. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage from this seismic event, as stated by the Moroccan news agency MAP. The earthquake struck at 11:48 p.m., with its epicenter located near Ksar el-Kebir and at a depth of 20 kilometers in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.
The earthquake’s geographical coordinates were recorded at 34.954 degrees north latitude and 5.635 degrees west longitude. The tremors were felt as far as 200 kilometers south of the epicenter, impacting cities such as Fez, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Tetouan. In light of recent events, many residents felt compelled to leave their homes due to fears stemming from Morocco’s recent seismic history.
The recent memory of a devastating earthquake in the Al Haouz region on September 8, 2023, which resulted in over 3,000 fatalities and significant damage to infrastructure, particularly in small villages, remains fresh in the minds of many Moroccans. In reaction to the catastrophic disaster, the Moroccan government has committed to enhancing its disaster management policies.
In 2023, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced that 325 projects valued at MAD 4.72 billion (approximately $471 million) were funded through a program aimed at promoting disaster risk reduction and prevention. He clarified that financial support from the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters constituted one-third of the total funding allocated to these vital initiatives, demonstrating the government’s proactive approach to mitigating risks associated with natural disasters.
In summary, the recent earthquake in Ouezzane Province, Morocco, has raised concerns but has not caused any reported damage. This event serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, especially following the tragic earthquake in 2023 that claimed many lives. The Moroccan government is actively improving its disaster management policies and has committed substantial resources to prevent future disasters and enhance preparedness.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
