20 Killed In Algerian Earthquake...12/23/99

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) - A strong earthquake shook western Algeria Wednesday, toppling several buildings and killing at least 20 people, the Interior Ministry said. Another 75 people were injured in the quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 5.8. The quake struck at 6:37 p.m., just as residents of the area of Ain Temouchent, near the coastal city of Oran, were breaking their day-long fast for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Some old buildings in Ain Temouchent, 340 miles west of Algiers, were destroyed and phone lines were damaged, disrupted electrical service, Algerian TV said. The deaths and injuries occurred in and around Ain Temouchent. Some tents and covers were sent to the area Wednesday night, along with teams to search for victims, the ministry said.

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