Search

Morocco is a country located in a geologically complex region with significant seismic activity due to its position at the junction of the African and Eurasian plates. Seismology and seismic engineering play an essential role in understanding and managing seismic risks in the country. Seismology is the science that studies earthquakes, their origins, characteristics, and effects on the earth's crust. Morocco's National Geological and Mining Research Bureau is responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the country. It uses a network of seismological stations to record and analyze earthquakes in order to better understand the tectonic mechanisms responsible for them. Over more than 110 years of macroseismic and instrumental observations, our country has witnessed several devastating earthquakes, among which the 1960 Agadir earthquake (Mw= 5.9) remains particularly impactful. This event led to the destruction of over 75% of the city and numerous surrounding villages, resulting in the loss of 12,000 lives. More recently, the earthquake that occurred on the night of Friday, September 8, 2023, with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck the province of Al-Haouz, ranking among the most violent in the history of Morocco. The latest assessments report 2,946 deaths, 5,674 injuries, and material damages estimated at nearly 10 billion dollars. Considering these situations, it is imperative to develop effective policies and action plans aimed at mitigating seismic risks in Morocco and enhancing the country's resilience to earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]