6.4-magnitude earthquake hits Albania, killing 13 and injuring over 130 (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

26 Nov, 2019 05:28 / Updated 4 years ago

A powerful earthquake has hit Albania in the middle of the night, forcing people to run into the streets and killing at least 13. Several buildings collapsed, while others appeared to crack.

The 6.4-magnitude quake struck between the port town of Durres and the capital Tirana, at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

Witnesses said residents were rushing out of their houses in panic, but an unknown number of people could still be trapped inside buildings.

One person died after jumping from a building, Defence Ministry spokesperson confirmed.

Officials said that the most damage was seen in Durres, while at least 50 people in Tirana had to be hospitalized. Some 135 people were injured in the quake, according to Defense Minister Olta Xhacka.

“Firefighters and army staff are helping residents (caught) under the rubble” in Durres and the nearby village of Thumane, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said.

Albania experiences regular seismic activity. On September 21, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake injured around 70 people and damaged 500 houses, while some were completely destroyed.

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