Magnitude 5.1 quake jolts Albania, no injuries reported
TIRANA, Albania (AP) - An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 struck off western Albania Wednesday, authorities said. No injuries or damage were reported.
The Institute of GeoSciences, Energy, Water and Environment reported that the quake occurred at 0901 GMT (1101 local time) around 18 kilometers (11 miles) underground near Lalesi Bay, a spot frequented by tourists some 30 kilometers (18 miles) west of the capital, Tirana.
It was followed minutes later by a series of weaker quakes, with the strongest measuring 4.3 magnitude, according to the Institute.
The tremor was strongly felt in Tirana, and some people left buildings and went out in the streets fearing further quakes.
Emergency officials told The Associated Press no one was injured. Officials were checking for possibly cracked buildings.
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj called on people not to panic but to avoid buildings "until authorities clarify the circumstances."
Albania is part of an earthquake-prone area, registering quakes every few days, though most are not felt.