Heavy storm kills 338 in northern Algeria
( 2001-11-12 11:45 ) (8 )

A total of 338 people were killed, 304 injured and eight missing following fierce storms and torrential rains that have pounded northern Algeria since Friday morning, according to a temporary toll released Sunday by the French Interior Ministry in Algiers.

Algiers alone witnessed 304 deaths and 300 injured as people were swept away by floods or crushed when their homes collapsed in very high winds and heavy rains.

Eight victims were reported in the province of Relizane, situated 300 kilometers southwest of Algiers, and another seven were killed and two missing in Tapaza, 70 kilometers west of Algiers.

In Chlef, 208 kilometers west of Algiers, six died and four missing, according to the ministry.

The sudden inundation followed several weeks of dryness in the region.

An emergency plan had been worked out and a crisis team were set up and thousands were mobilized for rescue operation in the capital, said the ministry.