Heavy earthquake in Albania: some houses collapsed, cars destroyed

This afternoon a strong earthquake was felt in several cities of Albania. The quake caused panic in the streets of the capital Tirana. Some cars were destroyed by falling debris.

According to the USGS Geological Survey, the earthquake had a force of 5.6. The epicenter was at a depth of ten kilometers in the Dürres area.

According to local media, at least 49 people were injured. A few houses have collapsed in Helmes, a village ten kilometers from Tirana. Cracks also appeared in buildings in the port of Durres, the country’s second city.

Electricity and telephone lines were cut off in different parts of Tirana, as well as in various villages and small towns. The Balkans are an area with intense seismic activity and earthquakes are common.