Algiers  - An earthquake in Algeria on Friday left at least 11 people with minor injuries, according to the North African nation's emergency services.

The Algerian research center for astronomy, astrophysics and geophysics said the earthquake had a strength of 5.5 on the Richter Scale, according to media reports.

The quake, which occurred shortly after 2000 GMT, was felt particularly in the area around the coastal town of Oran with the epicenter about 30 kilometres away, according to Algerian media reports.

The newspaper El Watan" reported on its web site that people fled through the streets in panic. (dpa)