When: 21 May 2003 at 5:44 p.m. of local time
Scale: 6.8 degree in Richter’s scale
Most affected towns: north part of Algeria, towns of Bourmedes, Zemmouri, Thenia, Belouizdad, Roubia a Reghaia. Epicentre of the earthquake was situated approximately 60 km east from the capital Alger, near to the town of Thenia, Zemmouri region.
Number of fatalities and injured: 2.268 dead, 10.147 injured, 200.000 unsheltered.
Czech unit:
Site of action: town of Bordj-Menaiel
Main tasks: rescue of people from crashed buildings
Departure: 22 May 2003 (9:30 p.m.) from Prague-Kbely
23 May 2003 (3:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m. of local time) Alger
Arrival: 27 May 2003 (after midnight of local time) Alger
27 May 2003 (7:30 a.m.) Prague- Kbely
Transport: AN 26 aircraft of the Czech Army
Accommodation: in tents
Meals: from own supplies
Outside temperature: unbearable heat during the day preclusive of work
Localities searched by the Czech USAR team:
· Three-storey building of a supermarket (3 dead, no one alive found)
· Apartment house (1 dead, no one alive found)
· 3rd locality (3 dead, no one alive found)
· 4th locality (1 dead, no one alive found)
Number of extricated persons by the Czech unit: 5 dead (heavy equipment needed for extrication was not available on scene)