6.4 quake kills 13 in Albania
Albanian rescuers were digging through rubble as desperate survivors trapped in toppled buildings cried out for help yesterday after the strongest earthquake in decades claimed at least 13 lives.
The 6.4 magnitude quake struck at 3:54 am local time, with an epicentre 34 kilometres northwest of the capital Tirana in the Adriatic Sea, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. The quake was followed by several aftershocks, including one of 5.3 magnitude.
A total of 13 people have now been found dead, according to the defence ministry, while around 38 people have been rescued alive. The health ministry meanwhile said that more than 600 people received first aid in hospitals.
The worst damage was in and around the coastal city of Durres, a tourism destination on the Adriatic, where soldiers, police and civilian forces were working to reach those believed to be trapped inside buildings that were reduced to dust.
The European Commission said on Twitter that “rescue teams from Italy, Greece and Romania are already on their way” to assist the rescue efforts.
Albania is known for its chaotic urban planning, particularly in coastal spots popular with tourists where many buildings have been constructed without proper permits and safety regulations.
Yesterday’s quake was the strongest to hit the Durres region since 1926, seismologist Rrapo Ormeni told local television.
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