  | |
| UTC time | 1994-08-18 01:13:05 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 160696 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | August 18, 1994 |
| Local time | 02:13 WAT |
| Magnitude | 5.8 Mw |
| Depth | 10.0 km (6.2 mi) |
| Epicenter | 35°31′12″N 0°06′22″W / 35.520°N 0.106°W |
| Areas affected | Algeria |
| Max. intensity | MSK-64 VIII (Damaging) |
| Casualties | 171 dead, 654 injured |
The 1994 Mascara earthquake occurred on August 18 at 02:13 local time with an epicenter in a rural part of Algeria. The earthquake measured 5.8 on the moment magnitude scale (Mw ) and had a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi).[1] It caused the deaths of 171 people, left up to 12,500 homeless, and destroyed thousands of homes in Mascara Province.[2] Many homes were damaged or destroyed due to poor building quality which collapsed on the inhabitants and resulted in a majority of the casualties. The national government launched a rapid response effort in its aftermath.