Magnitude 5.1 quake jolts Albania, no injuries reported

TIRANA, Albania — An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 struck off western Albania Wednesday, authorities said. No injuries or damage were reported.

The Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water and Environment reported that the quake occurred at 0901 GMT (11:01 a.m. local time) around 18 kilometres (11 miles) underground near Lalesi Bay, a spot frequented by tourists some 30 kilometres (18 miles) west of the capital, Tirana.

It was followed minutes later by a series of weaker quakes, with the strongest measuring magnitude-4.3, according to the institute.

The tremor was felt strongly in Tirana, and some people left buildings and went out in the streets fearing further quakes.

Emergency officials told The Associated Press no one was injured. The Defence Ministry reported 40 buildings with cracked walls in Tirana and two other districts.

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Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj called on people not to panic but to avoid buildings “until authorities clarify the circumstances.”

Albania is in an earthquake-prone area, registering quakes every few days, though most are not felt.

The Associated Press