Spain earthquake: eight people died

An earthquake having a 5.2 magnitude tremor took place in Southern Spain, in city of Lorca, in the Murcia region, on Wednesday evening.

As a consequence, eight people died and another 170 were injured.

The earthquake was preceded by an aftershock of 4.7 magnitude tremor, which was felt in the area of Madrid.

Due to the earthquake, several historical buildings in the centre of the city were destroyed and a retirement home and a hospital were evacuated.

The evacuated people were taken by the Red Cross to three camp hospitals.

According to official data, due to the aftershocks, over 20,000 people spent the night in the street.

People slept in open spaces or in improvised tents.

In an interview with the local media, the President of the Geologists` College in Spain, believes stated that the buildings in the town of Lorca should not have collapsed and, consequently, should not have inflicted casualties.

350 members of the Military Emergency Unit were deployed in Lorca to control the unexpected effects of the earthquake.

The Interior Minister and the Defence Minister, but also the opposition leader will be in the area of Lorca on Thursday to see the effects of the earthquake.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and the main opposition leader, Conservative Mariano Rajoy have decided to suspend the election campaign activities scheduled for Thursday.

Translated by: Anda Necula

MA Student, MTTC, Bucharest University