Moderate earthquake shakes northeastern Albania

TIRANA, Oct. 19 – A moderate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4 on the Richter scale shook northeastern Albania, causing no damage, the Seismological Institute said Thursday. The quake occurred Wednesday at 11:34 p.m. (2234GMT) in Dragobi commune, Tropoja district, 225 kilometers (140 miles) northeast of the capital, Tirana, according to the institute. There have been no reports of damage from the quake, which was felt in all surrounding districts. Another tremor two weeks ago at the same area and with the same parameters caused only light damage on some houses, an institute official said. An earthquake of the magnitude 2.5 to 3 is the smallest generally felt by people. A quake of the magnitude 4 to 5 can cause moderate damage in populated areas.