Thousands of people are reported dead in Algeria after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake shook the country on Wednesday night. Four strong aftershocks have also been reported. The hardest hit cities appeared to be Algiers, Rwaba City, and Abu Mardas where many buildings were reduced to rubble. The quake’s epicenter was near Phenia, about 40 miles east of Algiers. Search and rescue efforts are continuing and at least 4,600 people are reported injured. In 1980, the country was rocked by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake and 5,000 people were killed.

Episcopal Relief and Development is in contact with the Most Rev. George Clive Handford, President-Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Middle East and Anglican Bishop in Cyprus and the Gulf.

ERD will continue monitoring the region. Hundreds of others may possibly die. We are praying for all who have been affected by this tragedy.