The strong earthquake that rocked northern Algeria last week has killed at least 2,047 people, the official APS news agency reported Sunday.
At least 8,626 were wounded in Wednesday night's disaster, APS reported, citing the Algerian Interior Ministry.
The number of dead could rise as bodies are pulled from the rubble. Hakim Mohand, of the Algerian civil protection unit in Algiers, said Saturday he believed the death toll could reach up to 3,000 victims.
On Saturday, according to AP, survivors have pelted the motorcade of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, accusing the authorities of meagre rescue efforts and tolerating poor building practices. The Algerian leader was forced to abort a visit to one of the worst hit towns, Bourmedes, east of Algiers.
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
