Morocco Prepares for Rare but Potential Tsunami Threat Along Coastal Areas

Tragic episodes, such as the Lisbon earthquake in 1755 followed by a tsunami, have marked the history of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, but their frequency is lower compared to earthquakes in Morocco. Nevertheless, "the risk persists," said Nacer Jabbour, head of division at the National Institute of Geophysics, to SNRTnews. According to him, all Moroccan coasts, particularly low-lying areas, remain vulnerable with waves that can reach up to 12 meters. "To deal with this type of disaster, Morocco has established the 2020-2030 national strategy for reducing natural risks, focusing on earthquakes, tsunamis and floods. Current initiatives include studies for an early warning system, as well as an awareness-raising effort," he said.

Precursors such as earthquakes, alert systems on mobile phones serve as a natural warning to citizens, said the seismologist. "During a felt earthquake, immediate evacuation to high areas, more than 15 meters in altitude, is important," he explained, also noting that small tsunamis, sometimes a few centimeters, also serve as warnings for the most devastating ones.

To effectively address the tsunami risk, Nacer Jebbour recommends that managers of sensitive coastal facilities develop detailed emergency plans, defining the roles of each person for optimal preparation