A 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Morocco’s Ouezzane province on Monday night, causing panic but no reported damages or casualties. The quake followed a devastating 2023 earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people, leading the Moroccan government to implement extensive disaster-prevention projects.
On Monday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane, a province in northwestern Morocco, at 11:48 PM. According to Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics, the tremor occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers with its epicenter located near Ksar el-Kebir within the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Fortunately, there have been no reported damages or casualties; however, the quake caused significant panic among residents still reeling from a deadly earthquake in 2023 that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
The tremors were felt in several major cities including Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, and Tangier, approximately 200 kilometers south of the epicenter. Reports indicated that the earthquake led to chaotic scenes, with individuals fleeing their homes fearful of another disaster. A viral video captured the nighttime evacuations, resembling the aftermath of the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred on September 8, 2023, in the High Atlas region, which resulted in substantial loss of life and property.
In the wake of the 2023 catastrophe, the Moroccan government has implemented various disaster management initiatives. Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, disclosed that the government has committed to funding around 325 projects under the “Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities” program, with an investment totaling MAD 4.72 billion (approximately $471 million). These initiatives aim to bolster the nation’s resilience against future natural disasters.
Laftit further noted that the disaster risk reduction program has received significant financial backing from the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which constitutes approximately one-third of the overall funding. This proactive approach reflects Morocco’s determination to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters and protect its citizens in the future.
In summary, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Ouezzane, Morocco, resulted in panic but no casualties or damages. It serves as a reminder of the 2023 earthquake’s devastation, which prompted the government to invest heavily in disaster risk reduction projects aimed at enhancing resilience against future seismic events. The national focus on improving disaster management reflects Morocco’s commitment to safeguarding its population.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
