Morocco experienced a 5.4 magnitude earthquake on February 10 in Ksar El Kebir, felt in major cities without reported casualties. This follows a deadly 7.0 quake in September 2023 that killed 3,000 people. King Mohammed VI’s recovery plan includes a significant budget for seismic resistance in construction and community support for victims.
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Ksar El Kebir in northern Morocco on February 10, with the tremor recorded in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima province, as indicated by Nasser Jebour, head of the National Institute of Geophysics. Residents in major cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech reportedly felt the quake. Fortunately, local authorities have reported no casualties so far. Videos on social media showed people evacuating their homes due to fear of aftershocks.
This seismic event follows a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake on September 8, 2023, which primarily affected Al-Haouz province, leading to approximately 3,000 fatalities and displacing around 5,000 individuals. In response to this disaster, King Mohammed VI initiated a recovery program costing MAD 120 billion (about $11.6 billion) to enhance rehabilitation efforts over five years.
Moreover, the Moroccan government has implemented measures to improve construction standards for earthquake resistance, focusing on regions heavily impacted by seismic activities. In the aftermath of the September quake, there has been an outpouring of solidarity and charitable donations from the Moroccan populace to assist those affected by the disaster.
The recent 5.4 magnitude earthquake in Ksar El Kebir raises awareness about the seismic risks in Morocco. With no reported casualties, it serves as a reminder of the need for continued preparedness and structural improvements following previous devastating quakes. The government’s proactive measures and public support indicate a resilient approach to tackling these natural disasters.
Original Source: moroccoworldnews.com
