Official Death Toll from Algeria Earthquake Reaches 1700

The official death toll from the earthquake in Algeria has reached 1700, but this figure is expected to rise further. The earthquake on Wednesday shook the coastal region of Algeria in the Mediterranean Sea, leaving over 7600 injured. Many others are missing and may be trapped under the rubble. Last night, for the third consecutive night, thousands of people slept outside their homes in open areas due to fears of collapsing damaged buildings during aftershocks. Countries and aid organizations from around the world have sent rescue workers and medical teams, as well as essential supplies to Algeria. Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni, Algeria's Minister of the Interior, stated that these numbers are not final. He mentioned that the fate of those buried under the rubble remains unknown. Reports indicate that rescue operations in the earthquake-stricken Mediterranean coastal area are ongoing. Rescuers saved an 18-month-old child about fifty kilometers east of the capital. Aid for the earthquake victims in Algeria is pouring in from around the globe. Some countries, including Germany and France, have dispatched specialized trained teams and equipment to assist Algerian rescue workers in the affected areas. President Bush of the United States has also expressed condolences and support, announcing America's readiness to provide rescue and relief assistance. The earthquake, which occurred on Wednesday night near the Mediterranean coast of Algeria, had a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale.