Dangerous earthquake in Nord d’Algerie – 11 injured

Update 09:57 UTC  : Radio Algérienne is mentioning a report from the Protection Civile (Civil Defense) that 11 people are now recorded as treated for slight injuries. Also slight damage at an number of houses like cracks in the walls.

Update 08:37 UTC  : we are continuously searching for more news but so far only what we have reported below.

Update 06:34 UTC : According to national radio, the earthquake has so far injured seven, four in Algiers and 3 in Blida. The earthquake also caused cracks in several houses, according to the same source added that the inhabitants of Hammam Melouane (epicenter) complain about the lack of emergency services on the site. The radio reported the presence of the army and the gendarmerie in Hammam Melouane.

Update 05:20 UTC : Earthquake-report.com considers this earthquake as an ongoing reports and will add more updates as time is passing by.

Update 05:18 UTC  : CRAAG reported that the epicenter was located at 4 km from Hammam Melouane. Civil Defence groups are currently assessing the situation. So far we have 3 injuries hurt by falling objects and 2 threated for secondary shock reasons. Algeria has always been an active earthquake area as a major fault runs along the coast.

Update 04:38 UTC  : We think that more information will be available in a couple of hours, but we are almost sure that damage will be generated. So far NO news about it.

Update 03:42 UTC  : This is a VERY populated area and houses in Algeria have almost no resistance against earthquakes. Weaker earthquakes have been generating damage a few weeks ago.

Moderate to strong earthquake in Northern Algeria. Epicenter close to Chebli.
This was an early wake up call in Algeria.
Slight damage possible as this is a very populated area.

3km (2mi) ENE of Bouinan, Algeria
4km (2mi) W of Bougara, Algeria
4km (2mi) SSE of Chebli, Algeria
8km (5mi) SW of Sidi Moussa, Algeria
23km (14mi) S of Algiers, Algeria

Most important Earthquake Data:

Magnitude : 4.9

Local Time (conversion only below land) : 2013-07-17 04:00:56

GMT/UTC Time : 2013-07-17 03:00:56

Depth (Hypocenter)  : 10 km

from:    http://earthquake-report.com/2013/07/17/moderate-earthquake-northern-algeria-on-july-17-2013/