Third earthquake in last three days hits Albania

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - A 4.9 magnitude earthquake hit Albania on Thursday, the third quake in the last three days.

The tremor's epicenter was under the Adriatic Sea at a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), and 48 km (29.8 miles) off the capital Tirana, said the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center.

Meanwhile, NATO on its social media praised Albania's Independence Day and expressed solidarity following the disaster.

"Today is Albania's Independence Day. Our hearts and minds lay heavy in solidarity with our NATO ally going through difficult times," said the post.

At least 40 people lost their lives in Tuesday's 6.4 tremor. The Albanian Health Ministry also said 658 people had been injured.

The earthquake hit at 3.54 a.m. local time (0254GMT) on Tuesday, with an epicenter of 15 kilometers (9 miles) off the coast of Durres, at a depth of 38 km (23 miles).

The quake, which was felt throughout the region, caused communication problems and power cuts in Albania.

Some 2,150 people are taking shelter in 148 tents set up in villages around Thumane and Durres.

Hours later, at around 10.19 a.m. local time (0919GMT), a 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Nevesinje in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, 71 km (44 miles) south of the capital Sarajevo.