A moderate earthquake on Saturday hit the Egyptian capital, causing damage, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Egypt's National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics said the quake had a magnitude of 4.7, followed by a 3.8 magnitude aftershock. It said the quake hit at about 11 p.m. (2000 GMT) with the epicenter 34 kilometers northeast of Cairo, according to AP.
State-run TV interrupted its regular program with the news of the earthquake. Police said at least two houses were damaged in downtown Cairo. The second-floor ceiling in a four-story apartment building collapsed, but residents escaped unharmed. In another house, two walls toppled, sending the occupants running onto the street. No casualties were reported.
The quake felt particularly strongly in the densely populated Cairo because it was 17 kilometers below the surface, said Abu el-Ela Mohammed, an official at the institute. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)