Al-Shabab last week forcefully took control of Somalia's seat of government, the town of Baidoa, which it continues to hold.

WSJ: Somalia's New President Faces Old Opposition

In the town of Lushan, seat of the county government, the damage was less widespread, and streets were filled with excavators and vehicles carrying paramilitary police to help with the rescue efforts.

WSJ: Rescuers Work to Reach Quake Area

It happened near the center of town, near a bridge that leads to the Green Zone, which is the seat of Iraqi government power and also where the U.S. Embassy is located.

NPR: Twin Bombings in Baghdad Mark Upsurge in Attacks