6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Albania

By Fatjon Cuka, Seyyid Emin and Dzihat Aliju

TIRANA, Albania (AA) - A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit western Durres city of Albania on Tuesday at 3.54 a.m. local time (0254GMT), said the country's Institute of GeoSciences, Energy, Water and Environment.

According to a statement by the country's Defense Ministry, a person who jumped from a window due to panic, died.

The Health Ministry said 150 people were injured due to the earthquake.

The epicentre of the earthquake was located 15 kilometers (9 miles) off Durres city, at a depth of 38 km (23 mi).

The quake was felt in other cities of Albania, particularly in the capital Tirana, and in neighboring countries of Northern Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro.

It also caused communication problems and power cuts in Albania.

The country's Education Ministry said the schools were suspended for a while for security.

On Sept. 21, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in the country left over 130 people injured and more than 600 buildings damaged.

*Writing by Fahri Aksut