TIRANA, Nov. 1 – An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale shook central Albania Sunday morning, causing fear among Tirana residents. No damage was reported.
According to data by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the quake hit at 7:26 a.m. at a depth of 10 km, 14 km south of Bulqiza and 34 km east of Tirana. The quake reportedly was also felt in Macedonia and Montenegro.
The earthquake was accompanied by two tremors before and after, each of about 3 on the Richter scale.
In the same area, a day earlier at 9:20 a.m., an earthquake of 4 on the Richter scale was recorded.
Albania is located in a seismically active area and earthquakes are common. The last destructive quake happened in 1985.
An earthquake of magnitudes between 2.5 and 3 is the smallest generally felt by people. Earthquakes up to a 5.0 magnitude on the Richter scale are considered light and often cause only minor structural damage.
The Municipality of Tirana issued alerts on social media after the earthquake and distributed instructions on how to protect oneself.
Experts say that in case of an earthquake when one is inside a building one must get under — and hold onto – a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you’re in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator, according the instructions.
