Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes off Algerian coast

A shallow 6-magnitude earthquake struck off the Algerian coast early on Thursday, causing damage to buildings in the city of Bejaia.

The quake hit 20 kilometres north-east of Bejaia at 1.04am, at a depth of 10 kilometres, the US Geological Survey said.

The city, which has a population of roughly 164,000, endured moderate shaking, while the capital city Algiers also felt some light shaking, the USGS said.

It reported two further quakes in the same area, of 5.2 and 4.7 magnitude respectively.

The General Directorate of Algerian Civil Protection said there was some damage to structures in Bejaia, including cracks in the walls of residences as well as the partial collapse of an old unoccupied building.

There have been no reports yet of serious injuries or casualties.

Photographs shared on social media showed cracks on interior walls and crumbled walls.