UPDATE 2 - 6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Albania

UPDATES WITH REMARKS FROM TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO TIRANA; CHANGES DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Fatjon Cuka, Seyyid Emin, Dzihat Aliju and Talha Ozturk

TIRANA, Albania / BELGRADE, Serbia (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, the earthquake has killed at least 6 people, one of whom jumped from a window due to panic.

Turkey's Ambassador to Tirana Murat Ahmet Yoruk said Turkey is preparing to send a search and rescue team as well as a medical team.

"We have got in touch with Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency [AFAD] after meeting with the authorities of Tirana. They are preparing to send a search rescue team as well as a medical team during the day," Yoruk told Anadolu Agency.

He added that about 300 to 500 buildings collapsed in Durres city.

"According to preliminary information, between 300 and 500 buildings collapsed. Some Turkish citizens were staying in a hotel in the port city of Durres. The hotel collapsed, but they have survived the disaster with minor injuries. One of them had a problem with the waist. So we sent an ambulance from Tirana," he said.

The ambassador also said the Turkish embassy also sent a vehicle to evacuate the citizens in Durres, and added: "They are in good condition. Naturally, they are scared but we are expecting them to our embassy to rehabilitate them before returning to Turkey".

Yoruk added that so far they have not received a request for assistance with Turkish citizens living in the country.

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

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

The quake was felt in other cities of Albania, particularly in the capital Tirana, and in neighboring countries of North 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