The United Nations today called off the search for victims of the earthquake in Algeria to concentrate on supplying relief and support to the survivors.

A wide-eyed Algerian toddler was lifted tenderly from the ruins of her family’s home, two days after a devastating earthquake killed more than 1,600 people.

The cry of a toddler, pulled alive from under the rubble of a collapsed apartment block after being trapped for 39 hours, was the only joy in Algeria today where the earthquake death toll soared beyond 1,500, with more than 7,000 injured.

The death toll in Algerian earthquake rose this afternoon to 1,467, with more than 7,000 injured, according to sources in the area.

Bodies wrapped in blankets and plastic bags piled up in morgues today as the death toll mounted following Algeria’s devastating earthquake.

Panic-stricken families slept in the streets and parks of Algeria’s seaside capital for a second night, while rescuers led a frenzied hunt for survivors near the epicentre of a devastating earthquake that killed more than 1,000 people and injured nearly 7,000.

It was a scene from hell: after a massive quake tore through the earth, the desperate cries of women mingled with the harsh wail of ambulance sirens. Blocks of buildings lay in ruins.

Interior ministry officials in Algeria have put the toll from Wednesday night's earthquake at 707 killed and more than 5,000 injured.

Rescue workers struggled to save survivors from the rubble and international aid workers rushed to Algeria today after a powerful earthquake killed at least 643 people and injured thousands.

More than 500 people have died and around 4,600 were injured in the massive Algerian earthquake that shook the area near the capital.

Up to 500 people are now feared dead after a strong earthquake hit Algeria. There are reports that 1,672 people were injured in the quake.