Thursday, May 12, 2011

Spain Earthquake: Lorca Residents Assess Damage

Residents in the Spanish town of Lorca are assessing the damage from quakes that killed eight people and forced thousands to spend the night outdoors. 

The mayor of the historic town, with a population of 90,000, said: "Almost no-one slept in their homes."

Some 20,000 buildings are believed to have been damaged in what was Spain's worst earthquake for 50 years. 

The magnitude 5.2 tremor hit early on Wednesday evening, around two hours after a quake measuring 4.4. 

Those who died - including at least one pregnant woman and a child - were killed by falling masonry in the second tremor. 

Regional officials say at least 130 people have been injured, with several in a serious condition.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13371472