4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Marrakech and Surrounding Regions

A 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Moroccan city of Marrakech and its surrounding areas on Monday at approximately 5:20 A.M. GMT+1.

Rabat – A 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Moroccan city of Marrakech and its surrounding areas on Monday at approximately 5:20 A.M. GMT+1.

According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the epicenter of the quake was located in the town of Adassil, within the Chichaoua province of the Marrakech-Safi region.

The earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the EMSC’s official website.

The seismic event jolted residents of Marrakech from their sleep, with reports of people feeling the quake from various regions, including Marrakech, El Haouz, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.

The earthquake follows the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the region on September 8, causing massive destruction and killing nearly 3,000 people and injuring thousands of others.

After the tragic earthquake struck central Morocco, several aftershocks were recorded near the epicenter.

Seismology experts say that it is normal for aftershocks to occur after a strong earthquake. Aftershocks are smaller seismic events that follow a larger earthquake, and they are a natural part of the adjustment process.

When a significant earthquake happens, it can cause stress changes in the surrounding geological formations, needing aftershocks to relieve this stress and restore equilibrium, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The frequency and intensity of aftershocks can vary, but they typically decrease in magnitude and occurrence over time.

“Aftershocks become less frequent with time, although they can continue for days, weeks, months, or even years for a very large mainshock,” the USGS said.