| Date | February 29, 1960 |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 5.7 Mw |
| Countries or regions | Physical: Morocco |
| Casualties | 15,000 |
The 1960 Agadir earthquake took place on Monday, February 29, 1960, at 23:47 local time. It was the most destructive and deadliest earthquake in Moroccan history with a magnitude of 5.7 Mw, killing around 15,000 people (about a third of the city's population of the time) and injuring another 12,000.[1] At least 35,000 people were left homeless. Despite its moderate magnitude, the earthquake's shallow focus and proximity to the major city of Agadir made it very destructive.[1]
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The city was evacuated 2 days after the earthquake in order to avoid the spread of disease. Agadir was rebuilt 3 kilometers to the south of the original site after the request of late king Mohammed V stating that "If Agadir is doomed to be destroyed then its rebuilding depends on our will". The French aircraft carrier La Fayette participated in rescue operations.
