Earthquake strikes near Algerian capital
Reports: About 300 slightly injured
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ALGIERS, Algeria (Reuters) -- A magnitude 5.7 earthquake shook an area close to the Algerian capital Saturday evening, slightly injuring about 300 residents, official media reported.
The epicenter was located in the Mediterranean village of Zemmouri, the same area struck by a magnitude 6.8 quake that killed 2,300 people May 21. Zemmouri is 50 kilometers (32 miles) east of the capital, Algiers.
State television said 300 residents of several areas including Algiers and Boumerdes sustained slight injuries, including fractured and sprained limbs when they jumped out of windows after the tremor jolted their houses.
It also reported material damage to buildings damaged in the May quake.
The official APS news agency quoted a state geological studies center as saying the strong tremor was an aftershock of the May 21 quake.
Residents contacted by telephone said frightened locals fled their homes, and a power outage was reported in a district of the capital.
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