1960 Agadir earthquake
 Agadir
Casablanca
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| Date | 29 February 1960 |
|---|---|
| Origin time | 23:40 UTC |
| Duration | < 15 seconds |
| Magnitude | 5.7 |
| Depth | 2–3 km |
| Epicenter | 30°30′N 9°36′W / 30.5°N 9.6°WCoordinates: 30°30′N 9°36′W / 30.5°N 9.6°W |
| Areas affected | Morocco |
| Max. intensity | X (Extreme) |
| Foreshocks | 23 February (MM III) 29 February (MM VI) |
| Aftershocks | 22 March (MM VI) 17 April (MM VI) |
| Casualties | ~ 12,000–15,000 dead ~ 12,000 injured |
The 1960 Agadir earthquake occurred 29 February at 23:40 Western European Time (UTC+00:00). Agadir is located in western Morocco on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the earthquake's moderate magnitude of 5.7, its maximum perceived intensity was X (Extreme) on the Mercalli intensity scale. Between 12,000 and 15,000 people (about a third of the city's population of the time) were killed and another 12,000 injured with at least 35,000 people left homeless, making it the most destructive and deadliest earthquake in Moroccan history. Particularly hard hit was the Talbordjt area. The earthquake's shallow focus, close proximity to the port city of Agadir, and unsatisfactory construction methods were all reasons declared by earthquake engineers and seismologists as to why it was so destructive.
While the shock was recorded by seismographs around the world, few of these stations were close enough to the scene to locate the epicenter with high accuracy, but with what information was available the instrumental location was determined to have been 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) to the north-northwest of the Kasbah. Macroseismic observations (establishing the locations with the highest observed instensity) placed the epicenter about 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) north of Yachech. A sequence of minor foreshocks preceded the main event. The first shock occurred on 23 February with an intensity of III or IV (Weak to Light) and on the day of the disaster, a more significant foreshock with an intensity of VI (Strong) caused alarm around the lunchtime hour.
The mainshock took place on the third day of the Muslim observance of Ramadan, immediately collapsing many hotels, apartments, markets, and office buildings. Underground water mains broke and sewer systems crumbled. The Kasbah, a dilapidated fortress which had stood for centuries, crumbled on the side of a hill. With no water pressure and most fire stations having collapsed (killing their occupants) many fires were left burning in the resort city of Agadir with few firefighters and resources to fight them. With nearly seventy percent of the city in ruins, no rescue operations were able to be initiated or arranged from within Agadir. By morning the French army and sailors from the United States Sixth Fleet approached the coast, anchored, and prepared for the rescue process.
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