Morocco Faces New Earthquake as Safety Preparedness Efforts Expand

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ouezzane, Morocco, with no injuries or damages reported. Occurring 20 kilometers deep, tremors were felt in cities including Rabat and Casablanca. The quake stirred panic, reminiscent of the deadly 2023 earthquake that killed thousands. The Moroccan government is enhancing disaster preparedness through numerous funded initiatives to address future risks.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake recently struck Morocco’s Ouezzane province without causing reported damages or casualties. This seismic event, which occurred at 11:48 PM on Monday, was noted by Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics and reported by the MAP news agency. The quake, originating from a depth of 20 kilometers near Ksar el-Kebir in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, was felt as far as 200 kilometers away, including in major cities such as Rabat, Fez, and Casablanca.

The earthquake alarmed residents, stirring memories of a devastating 6.8-magnitude quake in September 2023 that resulted in approximately 3,000 fatalities and destroyed around 60,000 homes. Amid this recent tremor, panic ensued, with footage circulating online showing people fleeing their residences late at night in fear. The tremor reportedly reignited public anxieties concerning earthquake preparedness and response.

In the aftermath of the September 2023 disaster, the Moroccan government committed to enhancing its disaster management strategies. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit revealed that the nation is implementing 325 projects under the “Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities” program, with a budget of approximately MAD 4.72 billion (around $471 million). This initiative reflects Morocco’s proactive stance on mitigating the impacts of future natural disasters.

Laftit highlighted that the program has garnered funding from the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, which constitutes one-third of the overall funding allocated. These efforts signify a determination to fortify the country’s resilience against seismic events and improve response measures for the safety of its citizens.

In conclusion, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province raised alarm but fortunately resulted in no casualties or damages. The event reaffirmed the need for robust disaster management strategies, particularly following the catastrophic earthquake in 2023. The Moroccan government’s commitment to funding disaster risk reduction initiatives illustrates a proactive approach to safeguarding its populace against future seismic threats.

Original Source: www.livemint.com