Fear, Desperation Reign in Spain's Lorca after Deadly Quake

Citizens rest on a street of Lorca, southern Spain, on 12 May, after an earthquake measuring 5.2 hit the town on 11 May 2011 causing houses to collapse, damaging historic churches and killing at least 10 people. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Residents in the Spanish town of Lorca, who were hit by a deadly earthquake on Wednesday evening, live in desperation and fear of another seismological event, says the mayor.

"Most of the town's population had spent the night sheltering in their cars, streets, public squares or other towns. It is very sad to see neighbors spending the night in the street," Lorca's Mayor Francisco Jodar told BBC.

Some camped out in an outdoor basket ball court, and others used children's playgrounds.

"We have provided them with blankets, food, water and both medical and psychological attention," he said.

The magnitude 5.2 tremor hit early on Wednesday evening, around two hours after a quake measuring 4.4, Spain's worst earthquake for 50 years.

Those who died - including at least one pregnant woman and a child - were killed by falling masonry in the second tremor.

Regional officials say at least 130 people have been injured, with several in a serious condition.

Lorca is an ancient town with a population of 90,000. Many of its medieval buildings and streets have been badly damaged in the quake.

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