ALGIERS, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale shook northern Algeria on Tuesday night, with no damage or casualties reported so far.

The quake epicenter was at the locality of Oued Djer in Blida Province, about 50 km south of Algiers, with a depth of 13.17 km.

The tremor was felt in the capital Algiers and adjacent provinces, said a statement of the Center of Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics.

No damage or casualties were reported so far, fire-fighting department and media sources said.

The quake spread a wave of panic among citizens, as many of them left their houses and took refuge on the streets.