Algerian quake death toll nears 2,200

The death toll from a devastating earthquake in northern Algeria neared 2,200 today.

Many Algerians blamed the government for the high death toll and shortages of food and water after the 6.8-magnitude quake flattened villages east of Algiers on Wednesday. The Interior Ministry said today that at least 2,162 people were killed and 8,965 injured.