On the evening of Monday, February 10, 2025, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck an area located 26 kilometers northeast of Ksar El Kebir in Morocco. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the quake was at a depth of 10 kilometers below the Earth’s surface, making it a relatively shallow earthquake.
Earthquake Details
- Magnitude: 5.1 on the Richter scale.
- Location: 35.098°N, 5.643°W, 26 kilometers northeast of Ksar El Kebir.
- Depth: 10 kilometers.
- Time: 22:48:38 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
Affected Area
The earthquake occurred in the Strait of Gibraltar region, an area known for its seismic activity due to the interaction between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. Although the quake was of moderate strength, its shallow depth could result in relatively strong shaking at the surface.
Scientific Review
The earthquake was recorded by 56 seismic monitoring stations, and the data was analyzed by seismologists at the USGS. The analyses confirmed that the data is accurate and reliable, as it has been reviewed by experts.
Potential Impacts
Although the earthquake was of moderate strength, its shallow depth could cause significant shaking in areas close to the epicenter, particularly in Ksar El Kebir and surrounding regions. So far, there have been no reports of significant human or material damage, but the tremor may have been felt by residents across a wide area of northern Morocco.
Advice for Residents
Residents in affected areas are advised to remain alert for potential aftershocks and to follow the guidance of civil defense and local authorities in case of any developments.
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000pcsb/origin/detail