Tsunami vulnerability and damage assessment in the coastal area of Rabat and Salé, Morocco

A GIS-based method reveals significant tsunami vulnerability in Rabat and Salé, Morocco, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. The study combines numerical modeling of worst-case tsunami scenarios—derived from historical earthquakes like the 1755 Lisbon quake—and building vulnerability data to produce damage maps. These maps highlight risks in residential and tourist zones along the Bouregreg Valley, where flat terrain and rapid urbanization exacerbate exposure. Findings underscore the need for targeted evacuation planning and mitigation strategies to address tsunami-induced hazards in this UNESCO-listed region.

Atillah, A., El Hadani, D., Moudni, H., Lesne, O., Renou, C., Mangin, A., & Rouffi, F. (2011). Tsunami vulnerability and damage assessment in the coastal area of Rabat and Salé, Morocco. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 11(12), 3397–3414. https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-11-3397-2011