A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit Ouezzane province in Morocco on Monday, causing panic but no reported damages or casualties. The quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers and was felt in cities as far as 200 kilometers away. This event follows a catastrophic earthquake in 2023, prompting governmental measures for improved disaster risk management.
On Monday night, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Ouezzane province at 11:48 PM. The quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter near Ksar el-Kebir in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Although no casualties or damages have been reported, the tremors were felt up to 200 kilometers away in cities including Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez, causing widespread panic among residents.
This recent seismic activity is particularly alarming given the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the High Atlas region on September 8, 2023, resulting in nearly 3,000 fatalities and extensive damage to about 60,000 homes. Videos circulated online, showing people fleeing their homes in fear, reflecting the ongoing anxiety following last year’s disaster.
In response to the previous earthquake, Morocco’s government has initiated several disaster risk reduction measures. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced that approximately 325 projects, funded under the “Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities” program, aim to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness. This initiative has benefited from support from the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which has provided nearly one-third of the total funding.
The recent earthquake has underscored the importance of disaster management policies and community preparedness in Morocco. As the nation continues to recover from past tragedies, ongoing efforts are essential in ensuring the safety and resilience of its population against future natural disasters.
In summary, Morocco experienced a 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Ouezzane province, which, while not causing injuries or damage, elicited panic from residents due to past traumatic experiences. The government is actively pursuing disaster risk reduction initiatives with substantial funding to improve preparedness for future seismic events. This highlights the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and enhancing its disaster management strategies.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
