5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Morocco’s Ouezzane Province, No Casualties Reported

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Morocco’s Ouezzane province on Monday, causing no casualties or damage. The quake, which struck at a depth of 20 kilometers, caused panic reminiscent of the September 2023 earthquake that resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths. The Moroccan government is currently funding 325 projects aimed at enhancing disaster risk reduction and prevention activities, as part of its response to past earthquakes.

On Monday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane province in Morocco at approximately 11:48 PM. According to the Morocco National Institute of Geophysics and reported by AFP, the quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers, with the epicenter located near Ksar el-Kebir in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Despite the absence of reported damages or casualties, the tremor caused significant panic among residents, reminiscent of the devastating 2023 earthquake that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

The tremors were felt across several cities, approximately 200 kilometers south of the epicenter, including major urban centers such as Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Tangier. Following the quake, social media captured footage of frightened citizens evacuating their homes in the middle of the night, reflecting the lingering anxiety from the previous catastrophic seismic event.

In response to the September 2023 disaster, Morocco initiated a comprehensive disaster management strategy, which has led to numerous projects aimed at enhancing community resilience against natural calamities. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit stated that there are currently 325 initiatives in place, totaling an investment of MAD 4.72 billion (approximately $471 million) under the “Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities” program.

This program has received substantial financial backing from the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which comprises around one-third of the overall budget allocated. Morocco’s commitment to fortifying its disaster preparedness policies underscores its dedication to preventing future catastrophes and safeguarding its citizens from the dangers posed by natural disasters.

In summary, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province caused no reported injuries or property damage, but it triggered panic among residents still recovering from the deadly 2023 earthquake. The Moroccan government is implementing a series of projects to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure greater resilience in the face of future seismic events. These endeavors reflect Morocco’s commitment to protecting its citizens and improving its disaster management policies.

Original Source: www.livemint.com