Seismicity of Morocco and simulation of 08.09.2023 earthuake consequnces with “Extremum” system application

This paper reports the use of regional intensity attenuation equations for the territory of Morocco by modeling the impact of the destructive earthquake of September 8, 2023 in the country. The relevance of the study follows from the needed reliable estimates of possible loss due to earthquakes in order to aid the decision-making process for the response and the proper choice of a search and rescue strategy for the heavily affected settlements. The paper has for its goal the calibration of the “Extremum” system seismic intensity attenuation models for the territory of Morocco. Our study is the first to analyze the seismic intensity attenuation equations obtained by researchers at different times with a view to their applicability to near real time loss assessment for strong events occurring in the area of study. We investigate as well how the results of earthquake loss simulation are affected by regional damage matrixes. Computer simulation was applied to the assessment of the possible impact due to the September 8, 2023 earthquake using the “Extremum” system developed with authors’ participation.This paper provides preliminary results of modeling the impact of the Morocco earthquake, as well as an assessment of the convergence achieved by calculated and observed intensities for various intensity prediction equations obtained before for the Morocco and adjacent areas within the Alpine-Himalayan seismically active belt.