Rabat, Morocco – A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck northern Morocco early Monday, sending tremors across several cities and causing widespread panic among residents. The quake, which occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, was felt in areas including Al Hoceima, Nador, and parts of the Rif Mountains.
According to the Moroccan National Institute of Geophysics, the earthquake’s epicenter was located near the Mediterranean coast, a region known for seismic activity due to the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, some buildings sustained structural damage, and residents fled into the streets fearing aftershocks.
Eyewitnesses described a tense atmosphere as the ground shook for several seconds. I was asleep when I felt a strong jolt. The walls were shaking, and I rushed outside with my family, said a resident of Al Hoceima, a city that has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past.
Authorities have dispatched emergency teams to assess the damage and ensure the safety of affected communities. The Civil Protection Agency and local officials are monitoring the situation closely, urging citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols.
Seismologists warn that aftershocks could follow in the coming hours or days, though their intensity is expected to be lower than the main tremor. The earthquake has also reignited concerns about Morocco’s preparedness for seismic events, as the country remains vulnerable to natural disasters.
The region has a history of significant earthquakes, including the deadly 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake, which claimed over 600 lives and left thousands homeless. Following that disaster, Moroccan authorities have implemented stricter building regulations and early warning measures to mitigate the impact of future quakes.
Neighboring countries, including Spain and Algeria, also reported mild tremors, but no significant damage was recorded. The Moroccan government has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to support affected communities and prevent further risks.
As investigations into the quake continue, geologists emphasize the importance of continued research and preparedness efforts to safeguard lives in Morocco’s earthquake-prone zones.
