Experts explain aftershock after another 4.5 tremor strikes Marrakech

Morocco has once again felt the tremors of a significant aftershock this Sunday morning in Marrakech, with a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter scale. 

This seismic event follows a series of aftershocks that have rattled the region in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

In an interview with Hespress English, Kamal Agharroud, a Geology researcher, said that “The aftershock of the earthquake occurred in the southern region of Marrakesh, in the Atlas Mountains, very close to the epicenter of the earthquake.”

“According to the information we have received, the Geological Survey Agency reported its magnitude as 3.9, while the National Institute of Geophysics recorded it as 4.5,” Agharroud added.

Agharroud explained that “aftershocks that occur following the main earthquake are usually less intense than the initial and secondary seismic events. Based on our analysis of the data, it is likely that there will be further aftershocks.”

Agharroud further elaborated that “these aftershocks are a positive sign because they release the built-up pressure in the fault lines that caused the earthquake. The upcoming aftershocks will be less severe, and they won’t be felt by the population, but we will be able to record them. These aftershocks help dissipate the remaining seismic energy after the initial earthquake. Seismic activity continues, and it will persist, albeit at a lower intensity.”

In a statement to Hespress, Nasser Jebbour, director of the National Institute of Geophysics, said that this latest tremor is separate from the previous aftershocks but is part of a sustained seismic activity pattern. 

Jebbour said  that while aftershocks have continued to happen, they are gradually diminishing in intensity, suggesting a gradual decrease in seismic activity. 

This recent aftershock, with a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale, represents the second significant tremor, following the one that happened after the earthquake 

Jebbour went on to explain that although numerous aftershocks are being recorded, the majority of them go unnoticed by the general population. 

These seismic activities are closely monitored by the National Institute of Geophysics to gain a deeper understanding of the seismic activity.

The situation in Morocco remains challenging, with the initial earthquake, whose epicenter was located in the Igil municipality in Al Haouz region, having already resulted in a substantial loss of life. 

As of the latest update from the Ministry of Interior, the disaster has claimed the lives of 2,012 individuals and left 2,059 others injured, including 1,404 individuals with serious injuries.

The authorities continue to work tirelessly to rescue and evacuate the wounded while providing essential care and support for the victims. All available resources are being mobilized to address the aftermath of this tragic disaster, as Morocco grapples with the ongoing seismic activity and its consequences.