5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Morocco, Evokes Panic Amid Recovery Efforts
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane, Morocco, causing panic but no reported casualties. The tremor, located near Ksar el-Kebir, was felt in cities up to 200 km away. The quake’s timing evoked memories of the deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake in 2023, prompting government focus on disaster risk management and infrastructure development.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane province in Morocco at 11:48 PM on Monday, according to the country’s National Institute of Geophysics. The quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers and was situated near Ksar el-Kebir in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Although no casualties or property damage have been reported, the tremors were felt as far as 200 kilometers away, impacting cities like Rabat, Fez, and Casablanca.
The earthquake caused panic among residents, reminiscent of the devastation experienced in September 2023, when a 6.8-magnitude quake resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and extensive destruction across the mountainous High Atlas region. Videos circulated online showing people escaping their homes due to fear triggered by the recent seismic activity.
In response to the 2023 disaster, Morocco’s government has emphasized rebuilding efforts and disaster preparedness. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit stated that approximately 325 projects worth MAD 4.72 billion ($471 million) have been initiated under a program focused on disaster risk reduction and prevention. Funding for these initiatives has been supported by the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which contributes almost one-third of the total budget.
The 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province has raised concerns among residents still haunted by the aftermath of the significant earthquake in 2023. While no immediate damage has been reported, the government’s ongoing initiatives for disaster preparedness underscore the importance of addressing natural disaster risks. Improved infrastructure and effective management responses are necessary to mitigate future impacts on the population.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
