In a world of global challenges, continued poverty, inequity, and increasing vulnerability to disasters and disease, the International Federation with its global network, works to accomplish its Global Agenda, partnering with local community and civil society to prevent and alleviate human suffering from disasters, diseases and public health emergencies.

In brief

Programme Summary:

The North Africa regional office continued

This Information Bulletin (no. 001/2006) is being issued for information only. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time.

The Situation

On 20 March 2006, at approximately 20.44 local time, an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale shook eastern

LAALAM, Algeria, March 21, 2006 (AFP) - Three children and a woman were killed and nearly 70 people injured when an earthquake shattered a village in northern Algeria leaving residents too scared to return to their homes, officials said Tuesday.

The tremor occurred late Monday at Laalam, an isolated community 24 kilometres (15 miles) from the nearest major highway.

Villagers remained apprehensive Tuesday about possible further shocks.

"The earth shook again this morning and it didn't stop shaking during the night," said Tayeb Bekhtache.