A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit Ouezzane, Morocco, without reported casualties or damage. It struck at night, causing panic, echoing the severe impact of the 2023 earthquake that killed thousands. The Moroccan government is enhancing disaster management strategies through substantial funding for disaster risk reduction projects, reflecting its commitment to improving community safety.
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Ouezzane province of Morocco late Monday night, at 11:48 PM, as reported by Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter located near Ksar el-Kebir in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Tremors were felt over a wide area, including major cities like Rabat, Fez, and Casablanca, approximately 200 kilometers south of the epicenter.
Despite the absence of reported damages or casualties, the earthquake instilled considerable fear among residents, reminiscent of the devastating 2023 earthquake that resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and destruction of about 60,000 homes in the High Atlas region. Video footage circulating online depicted individuals fleeing their residences in panic during the night.
In the wake of last year’s catastrophe, the Moroccan government pledged to improve its disaster management strategies. Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, stated that approximately 325 projects are currently being funded under the “Incentives for the Development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention Activities” program. This initiative totals MAD 4.72 billion ($471 million) and has received financial backing from the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters.
In summary, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Morocco’s Ouezzane province has not resulted in any casualties or damage, yet it triggered panic among the populace due to memories of past earthquakes. The Moroccan government’s commitment to enhancing disaster risk reduction measures illustrates its proactive approach to natural disaster preparedness following the devastating impacts of the 2023 earthquake.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
