TIRANA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on Richter scale hit Albania on Tuesday early morning, leaving at least six dead and 150 people injured, authorities said.
According to the Albanian Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water and Environment (IGEWE), the earthquake took place at 3:55 a.m. local time (0255 GMT) with its epicenter located 10 km north of the port city of Durres.
Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) reported that the Defense Ministry has confirmed that three people were killed in Durres, two others in the northern town of Thumane, and one person died in Kurbin after jumping from his home to escape shaking.
The earthquake demolished several buildings in Durres and Thumane, ATA quoted the ministry as saying.
About 300 army troops have been sent to the most affected areas and joined the firefighters to help the rescue operation.
The Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu told reporters that 150 people in the capital of Tirana, Durres and Thumane were injured during the disaster.
The earthquake came after another one measuring 4.6 on Richter scale that hit the country earlier, IGEWE reported.
