5.2-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Ouezzane Province in Morocco Without Casualties

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in Morocco’s Ouezzane province on Monday, with no damages or casualties reported. The quake caused panic, notably given the recent deadly earthquake in September 2023, which killed nearly 3,000 people. In response, Morocco is enhancing disaster preparedness strategies and initiating numerous projects to mitigate future risks.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Ouezzane province at 11:48 pm on Monday, as reported by Morocco’s National Institute of Geophysics and the official MAP news agency. The earthquake, located at a depth of 20 kilometers and near Ksar el-Kebir, caused panic but did not result in any reported damages or casualties. Tremors were felt in several cities, including Rabat, Fez, and Casablanca, approximately 200 kilometers south of the epicenter.

This seismic event is particularly unsettling for Moroccans, as it occurred a year and a half after the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives and caused significant destruction to 60,000 homes. In response to the recent earthquake and its aftermath, Morocco is enhancing its disaster management policies to better address natural disaster risks.

Following the 2023 catastrophe, Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, announced a commitment to funding 325 projects totaling MAD 4.72 billion (approximately $471 million) aimed at disaster risk reduction and prevention. Part of this initiative has been supported by the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters, accounting for roughly one-third of the overall funding.

In conclusion, the recent 5.2-magnitude earthquake in Ouezzane, Morocco, has raised concerns among citizens still recovering from the 2023 tragedy. No casualties or damages have been reported from the latest quake, but it highlights the ongoing need for effective disaster management policies and preparedness measures that Morocco is actively working to implement. The government is committed to investing significantly in projects designed to reduce risks associated with natural disasters.

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