The Algerian government said yesterday that 22 people were killed when an earthquake flattened several buildings in the western town of Ain Temouchant. The quake, which measured 5.8 on the Richter scale, shook several western provinces of the North African country at 6:37 p.m. (1737 GMT) on Wednesday.
A government statement carried by state-run radio also said 47 people remained in hospitals, including seven in critical condition. Scores had been treated for minor injuries, it said.
Hundreds of people were left homeless when the earthquake struck on Wednesday. They, along with others who feared aftershocks, spent the night in the open.
Scores of women could be seen huddled in corners, covering themselves with blankets as they waited for relief workers to set up tents in open areas.
The government said it would distribute 600 housing units and had set up tents to accommodate displaced people.