Latest reports have shown that an earthquake of 4.1 magnitude has hit the Marrakech region around 12:21 p.m. local time.
Many residents who spoke to journalists said that they felt the shaking, causing public concern and alarm. A resident in Marrakech who felt the earthquake told Morocco World News (MWN) that she “felt like it lifted my house in the air then dropped it down.”
The resident described the earthquake as powerful, noting that she is worried about the people in the mountains.
“It was quiet and calm, then what felt like a gust of wind lifted the house, then dropped it with a jolt. I looked outside, but the wind wasn’t blowing. I knew it was an earthquake,” she added.
As of now, authorities have not reported any casualties but are on high alert for aftershocks and any ensuing damages. Morocco’s earthquake authority is closely monitoring the richter scale to provide updates on changes to the official magnitude.
The shakes remind residents of the trauma of the devastating Al Haouz earthquake, which struck the region on September 8, 2023. The quake marked the country’s most powerful natural disaster in over a century, and killed nearly 3,000 people while injuring over 5,000.
Read also: Weather expert warns climate change to hit agriculture hardest
The natural disaster specifically affected some of regions’ most rural areas and also left many homeless. Almost a year and half later, the government is still pledging to fully implement the rebuilding plan.
In April, the Moroccan League for Human Rights (LMDDH) issued a report, highlighting shortcomings in the distribution of housing aid to victims of Al Haouz earthquake that struck the region. The report said that 16% of the affected families have been excluded from receiving assistance despite losing their homes entirely.
“I received neither the monthly MAD 2,500 ($250) stipend nor any housing reconstruction support, even though my house completely collapsed. I nearly lost both legs in the earthquake,” one victim told investigators.
The government stressed that the affected houses reached 59,674, with 32% completely collapsed and 68% partially damaged.
Story was adapted from Morocco World News.
