5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Morocco’s Ouezzane Province, No Damage Reported

Morocco experienced a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in the Ouezzane province, striking at 11:48 PM. Fortunately, no damages or casualties were reported. However, the earthquake induced significant panic, reminding residents of the tragic 2023 earthquake that led to thousands of deaths. In response, the Moroccan government is undertaking various disaster risk reduction projects funded through substantial financial support.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake recently occurred in the Ouezzane province of Morocco, striking at 11:48 PM on a Monday night. The quake was reported at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter located near Ksar el-Kebir in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Despite being felt in cities as far as 200 kilometers away, including the capital Rabat, no damages or casualties have been reported, although it caused considerable panic among residents.

The tremors invoked memories of the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck in September 2023, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 individuals and severely damaged more than 60,000 homes. Following this tragedy, the Moroccan government has committed to bolstering disaster management initiatives, including funding various projects aimed at reducing disaster risks.

Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, stated that approximately 325 projects totaling MAD 4.72 billion ($471 million) are being funded under the program focused on disaster risk reduction. These initiatives have received significant financial backing from the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which constitutes nearly one-third of the total funding allocated for these projects.

This recent earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province demonstrates the ongoing seismic risks faced by the country, especially following the devastation of the 2023 quake. The lack of damages or casualties this time is encouraging; however, the regional population remains understandably anxious about potential aftershocks. The Moroccan government remains proactive in implementing disaster risk reduction strategies to safeguard its citizens against future seismic threats.

Original Source: www.livemint.com