Zemmouri, Algeria, MW 6.8 Earthquake of May 21, 2003

This report summarizes the damage done to various lifelines from the 6.8 MW earthquake that occurred in the coastal waters off the Boumerdes Department, East of Algiers, Algeria, on May 21, 2003. An estimated 2,266 people were killed, 10,260 injured, and more than 200,000 left homeless. Many of the three- to five-story reinforced concrete apartment buildings, less than three years old, were destroyed by either total or partial collapse. Readers will benefit from the Lessons Learned sections, which analyze other lifeline systems and compares expected earthquake performance without having to go through an earthquake. The lessons will minimize damage, save money, and reduce recovery time. The Earthquake Investigations Committee of the Technical Council of Lifeline Earthquake Engineering (TCLEE) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was established to initiate, organize, train for, coordinate, and evaluate the performance of lifelines following earthquakes. The topics include: Geosciences and Geotechnical Engineering; General Building Damage; Potable Water Systems; Power Systems; The Highway System; Ports and Airports; Railroads; Communication Systems; Oil and Liquid Fuels; Hospitals; and Emergency Response.