5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Morocco’s Ouezzane Province, Sparking Panic
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane, Morocco, late Monday, causing no injuries or damages. The tremors were felt in cities up to 200 km away, causing public panic reminiscent of the devastating 2023 earthquake, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives. In response, Morocco has committed to numerous disaster management initiatives aimed at improving resilience against future seismic events.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Ouezzane province late Monday evening, at 11:48 PM. The earthquake, reported by Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics, was measured at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter located near Ksar el-Kebir within the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Although tremors were felt as far as 200 kilometers away, including in major cities like Rabat and Casablanca, there were no reports of casualties or property damage.
This seismic event has understandably caused alarm among residents, particularly given the recent memory of a devastating earthquake that occurred in September 2023, which resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and extensive destruction to 60,000 homes. Videos circulated online depicted citizens hastily evacuating their homes in the aftermath of the quake, highlighting the lasting impact of recent disasters on public perception and response to seismic activity.
In light of the challenges posed by natural disasters, Morocco has committed to enhancing its disaster management strategy, including the implementation of 325 projects valued at approximately MAD 4.72 billion (equivalent to $471 million). These initiatives fall under the framework of the “Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities” program, designed to better prepare communities for future emergencies.
Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, articulated the government’s proactive stance on disaster risk management, emphasizing the financial backing provided by the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters. This monetary support, which constitutes nearly one-third of the total project budget, is crucial for effective implementation and resilience-building in vulnerable areas.
In summary, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province has not resulted in any damages or casualties, though it has reignited fears stemming from the catastrophic 2023 earthquake. The Moroccan government continues to prioritize disaster management through significant investments in risk reduction projects. These measures are essential as Morocco seeks to fortify its resilience against natural disasters, following recent challenges.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
