Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Algeria

 

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale struck eastern Algeria on [insert date], causing widespread concern and minor damage in several towns and cities across the region.

The tremor hit at approximately [insert time] local time, with its epicenter located near the province of Constantine, according to the Algerian National Center for Applied Earthquake Engineering (CGS). The depth of the quake was reported at around 10 kilometers, making it a shallow and potentially more destructive event.

Residents in cities such as Constantine, Annaba, and Skikda reported strong shaking, with many people rushing outdoors in panic. Social media quickly filled with videos showing swaying buildings and falling objects. So far, there have been reports of minor injuries and structural damage, including cracked walls and collapsed roofs in older buildings.

Emergency services were immediately deployed to assess the situation and provide assistance. Local authorities confirmed that power and communication lines remained largely intact, though some areas experienced temporary outages.

Algeria lies in a seismically active zone due to its location along the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. The country has a history of destructive earthquakes, most notably the 2003 Boumerdès earthquake, which measured 6.8 in magnitude and resulted in significant loss of life and property.

The Civil Protection Agency has urged citizens to remain calm and avoid entering damaged buildings. Seismologists have warned of possible aftershocks in the coming days and recommend continued vigilance.

Further updates are expected as assessment teams continue their evaluations across the affected regions.