Significant Landslide Near El Jebha, Morocco: Analysis and Implications
On January 27, 2025, a notable landslide in El Jebha, Morocco, closed the N16 highway. The landslide is complex and deep, complicating repair efforts. Anthropogenic factors in construction may aggravate such events, as discussed in studies on the region’s geotechnical challenges.
On January 27, 2025, a significant landslide occurred near the coastal town of El Jebha, Morocco, affecting the N16 highway, which connects El Jebha to Al Hociema. As a result, the roadway has been closed. This event has been documented in a video shared by Hespress on Instagram, showcasing the complex nature of the landslide and its substantial impact on the road.
The landslide, characterized by minimal rotation in its lower section, has buried the road to a remarkable depth, posing serious challenges for future repairs. This particular section of the highway traverses steep terrain and features a series of switchbacks, indicating a history of slope instability and ongoing risks of further failures in the vicinity.
In the Rif Mountains, where the landslide took place, relevant discussions are featured in a November 2024 article by Marwane et al., available on ResearchGate. This study highlights the increased likelihood of anthropogenic landslides in areas of challenging geotechnical conditions, particularly during road construction that destabilizes slopes by removing support and raising shear stress, thereby compromising safety.
The insight provided by Marwane et al. seems applicable to the recent events at El Jebha, illustrating a link between infrastructure development and landslide occurrences. For further details regarding the landslide’s context, interested parties can reference local news coverage, as well as the referenced study on the risks associated with landslides in the Rif Mountains.
The landslide near El Jebha on January 27, 2025, presents a complex geotechnical challenge, significantly affecting the N16 highway. The event underscores the critical issues related to road construction in unstable terrains. Studies indicate that human activities contribute to slope destabilization, thus highlighting the need for careful planning and risk management in such regions.
Original Source: eos.org
