6.4-magnitude quake strikes Albania

A powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Albania on Tuesday, sparking panic in Tirana and the coastal city of Durres where a building collapsed, according to the ministry of defence.

The shallow quake hit about 34 kilometres northwest of Tirana in the early hours of the morning, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, sending people in the capital running into the streets.

"There is considerable damage," ministry of defence spokesman Albana Qajahaj said.

A three-storey hotel in Durres collapsed while another building in the city centre was badly damaged.

Damage was also reported in Thumana, 30 kilometres from Tirana.

Around 50 people with light injuries were being treated in hospital in the capital, Health Minister Ogerta Manasterliu said.

No information was immediately available on whether anyone had been killed.

Source: Agencies

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