No Damage Reported After Earthquake Hits Morocco’s Ouezzane Province

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane Province, Morocco, on Monday night, with no damage reported. Tremors were felt in multiple cities, prompting fear among residents due to past earthquake experiences. The government has pledged enhanced disaster management measures following the tragic events of 2023, investing significantly in risk reduction projects.

On Monday evening, the National Institute of Geophysics reported a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Ouezzane Province, which is located in northern Morocco. Fortunately, no damage has been reported according to the Moroccan news agency, MAP. The earthquake occurred at 11:48 p.m. with a depth of 20 kilometers and was centered near Ksar el-Kebir, within the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.

The seismic activity was detected at coordinates 34.954 degrees north latitude and 5.635 degrees west longitude. Observers noted that the tremors reached up to 200 kilometers south of the epicenter, affecting cities such as Fez, Casablanca, and Rabat, along with northern locations including Tangier and Tetouan. In light of the recent history of earthquakes in Morocco, many residents evacuated their homes in fear.

This earthquake’s occurrence resonates with the tragic memory of the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, which resulted in the deaths of at least 3,000 people and inflicted significant infrastructural damage, particularly in small villages. In the aftermath, Morocco’s government has committed to enhancing disaster management policies.

In 2023, Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, announced the funding of 325 projects totaling MAD 4.72 billion ($471 million) under the program designed for disaster risk reduction and prevention. Laftit detailed that this initiative is supported financially by the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which contributes one-third of the total funding for such endeavors.

In summary, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Ouezzane Province, Morocco, resulted in no damage or casualties. The government is actively working on disaster management strategies, especially following the severe earthquake of 2023 that devastated the region. Measures taken include funding numerous projects aimed at reducing and preventing disaster risks, showcasing Morocco’s commitment to improving its preparedness for natural disasters.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com