Monday 25 January 2016

Strong Earthquake Strikes Mediterranean

A strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake has struck the Mediterranean between Morocco and Spain.
The 20-mile deep quake hit at 4:22am, 39 miles north of the Moroccan city of Al Hoceima and 102 miles east-southeast of Gibraltar, the US Geological Survey said.
It was followed by six aftershocks including a 5.3-magnitude tremor.
There were no immediate reports of any casualties.
Emergency services received 250 calls from alarmed residents in the Andalucia region, in southern Spain.


Tremors and aftershocks were felt throughout the area including in the cities of Malaga, Cordoba, Seville and Granada.
TV footage showed people running into the streets in their pyjamas in Melilla after the quake struck.
Up to 200 households in the Spanish enclave on the Moroccan coast suffered damage to their properties.
Officials said schools would be closed on Monday so buildings could be checked for structural damage.
Power was reportedly being restored in areas hit by blackouts.
Images also showed concrete blocks on the ground which had come crashing down from buildings in the city.
In its initial assessment of the quake's impact, USGS said there was "a low likelihood of casualties and damage".
In February 2004, a strong 6.3 earthquake that hit near Al Hoceima killed 631 people.
On Sunday, the US state of Alaska was hit by a magnitude-6.8 earthquake.
YouTube user Elvark captured the exact moment it struck, saying: "Wow! It’s like being on a boat!"
He posted a video of the tremor shaking his home, swinging light fittings and sloshing around the water in fish tanks.
A handful of Kenai households were evacuated after explosions from a natural gas leak destroyed two homes - and a further two caught fire - following the quake.

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