Light Earthquake Recorded in Morocco
On May 9, 2026, a minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 occurred near Tiflet in the Khémisset Province, located within the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region of Morocco. The tremor, which was initially reported at a magnitude of 3.8, was recorded at 6:33 PM local time, approximately 13 kilometers northeast of Tiflet. The depth of the earthquake was recalibrated to 4 kilometers, or about 2.5 miles, beneath the Earth's surface, indicating that it was a relatively shallow event. The Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) of Spain was the first agency to report on this seismic activity, doing so just two minutes after the quake struck.
Impact and Area Response
Although the earthquake was minor in magnitude and is not expected to have caused any significant damage, residents in the vicinity likely felt light vibrations during the event. Reports indicate that the towns of Tiflet, with a population of approximately 94,700, and Khemisset, home to around 143,600 people, were among those that might have experienced the tremors. Other nearby locations that could have felt the quake include Sidi Allal El Bahraoui, Sidi Yahia El Gharb, Sidi Slimane, and even as far as Rabat, the capital city, which is located 58 kilometers from the epicenter. Residents in these areas are encouraged to share their experiences and observations to help gauge the quake's impact.
The earthquake's shaking intensity was classified at level IV, which denotes light shaking. So far, there have been 20 reports from individuals who felt the tremor, indicating that while it was not severe, it was perceptible to many in the affected regions. The seismic energy released during the quake was estimated at approximately 2.2 x 1010 joules, equivalent to the energy of a single earthquake of magnitude 3.7.
For those interested in staying updated on seismic activities, the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms, offering one of the fastest seismic alert systems online.
As reported by volcanodiscovery.com.
