No Damage Reported Following Earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane Province

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane Province, Morocco, on Monday, with no reported damage. The quake was felt up to 200 kilometers away in various cities. Many residents evacuated due to fears stemming from a previous deadly earthquake in 2023. The Moroccan government continues to enhance disaster management strategies with significant funding for risk reduction projects.

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

The earthquake was noted to have been felt as far as 200 kilometers south of the epicenter, affecting cities such as Fez, Casablanca, and Rabat, along with northern areas like Tangier and Tetouan. Many residents evacuated their homes due to apprehensions stemming from memories of the September 8, 2023 earthquake, which resulted in the fatalities of at least 3,000 individuals.

The previous earthquake caused significant damage to infrastructure, particularly affecting small villages in the Al Haouz region. In light of this disaster, Morocco has committed to enhancing its disaster management strategies. In 2023, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced funding for 325 projects totaling MAD 4.72 billion ($471 million) aimed at disaster risk reduction and prevention.

The recent earthquake in Ouezzane Province, Morocco, measuring 5.2 in magnitude, fortunately resulted in no damage. The government remains responsive to past disasters, improving disaster management efforts and investing in preventive measures. These actions reflect Morocco’s commitment to safeguarding its communities from natural hazards, particularly in light of the devastating earthquake in September 2023.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com