Algiers, May 25: The Algerian capital and its environs have been rattled by scores of aftershocks since the earthquake earlier this week, including two tremors of 4.1 on the Richter scale, the Algerian seismological lab said.
While there were no immediate reports of the aftershocks causing any damage, it was feared the tremors could cause already dangerously unstable buildings to collapse, leading to further casualties.
The epicenter of the strongest aftershock to hit the region was located in Thenia, 60 kilometers east of the capital. It struck at 8:21 pm yesterday (12:51 am IST, Sunday) and measured 4.1.

The Thenia region was severely affected by Wednesday's quake -- it measured 6.3 on the Richter scale -- which claimed the lives of nearly 1 ,900 people and injured thousands more.

The Algerian seismological institute CRAAG said that more than 100 aftershocks of varying strength took place on Friday and yesterday throughout the region.

The aftershocks, markedly weaker than the one at 12:51 am IST, continued late yesterday.

A wide-scale power outage also occurred late yesterday for about one hour in the capital, the State Gas and Electricity Company Sonelgaz said, due to technical reasons.


Bureau Report