5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Morocco’s Ouezzane Province, Causes Panic
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane province in Morocco on Monday night, causing panic but no reported damages or casualties. The quake, occurring at a depth of 20 kilometers, was felt in multiple cities, including Rabat and Casablanca. This event follows Morocco’s commitment to improving disaster management practices after a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023 that killed nearly 3,000 people.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook Ouezzane province in Morocco late Monday night, according to the Morocco National Institute of Geophysics. Striking at 11:48 PM at a depth of 20 kilometers, the quake’s epicenter was located near Ksar el-Kebir within the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. No injuries or damage have been reported, but the tremors, felt up to 200 km away in cities like Rabat and Casablanca, caused panic among residents, reminiscent of the devastating earthquake from September 2023 that resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage.
In response to the past disaster, the Moroccan government is enhancing its disaster management strategies, pledging support for various seismic risk reduction initiatives. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit reported an investment of MAD 4.72 billion ($471 million) allocated towards 325 projects under the “Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities” program. This funding aims to bolster preparedness for natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, to mitigate future risks.
The 2023 earthquake highlighted the need for improved disaster response capabilities in Morocco, leading to the establishment of new policies and funding initiatives. These measures are supported by the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which has contributed nearly one-third of the total funding. The government emphasizes the importance of these programs as essential steps towards safeguarding communities against the devastating impact of seismic events.
The recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province has sparked panic but resulted in no reported damages or casualties. In light of the severe earthquake in September 2023, the Moroccan government is implementing enhanced disaster risk reduction strategies, allocating significant funding towards preparedness measures to ensure community safety for future seismic events.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
