Algerians, still trying to cope with a devastating earthquake that killed over 2,200 people last week, were jolted into a new panic on Tuesday with a forceful aftershock, the strongest of a series of hundreds that have rattled the country, including one of magnitude 4.1 during the weekend.
Thousands of people made homeless by the worst earthquake the north African country had suffered in over two decades were barely settled into tent cities when the new quake struck, weighing in at 5.5 on the Richter scale compared to its big brother's 6.8 last Wednesday.
As many as 100,000 were planning to stay out of dangerous buildings in any case, concerned by a seemingly endless wave of minor aftershocks that have rumbled through northeast Algeria.
Foreign rescue and recovery teams were beginning to check flight schedules home, and the government seemed finally to have organized its relief forces when the new quake forced people out into the streets in the evening rush hour. The new quake caused scores of injuries and up to 10 dead as more buildings collapsed east of the capital. The quake struck at Zemmoria, a small fishing town around 70 kilometers east of the capital, epicenter of the 6.8 force quake last week.
The latest quake came just after the Algerian premier, Ahmed Ouyahia announced the rehousing operation of the stricken families from last week's earthquake is due to be launched within fifteen days. He also declared the providing of the necessary equipment for the victims in particular medical installations.
Ouyahia indicated further that "around 50,000 persons from ANP, or the Algerian civil protection body in addition to doctors and specialists are working hand in hand to overcome this tragedy". (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
