A security official said at least 18 people died and 22 were hurt when a massive rockslide buried an Egyptian shanty town south of the capital Cairo. According to the AP, the official said eight rocks weighing between 60 to 70 tonnes fell on the village at the foot of the Muqattam hills Saturday and crushed some 50 homes. Many people are believed to still be buried under the stone.
The official added rescuers were waiting for heavy machinery to arrive at the scene to help lift the rocks and that crews were digging by hand.
The government issued a statement saying survivors of the rock slide would be transferred to new housing for the night and given all necessary aid. "We are following the case step by step and providing the care and comfort for the residents," Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif said in the statement. "We would like to remind people the danger of building informal housing in dangerous areas."
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
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