Over a dozen killed in
Albania's worst quake in decades
 |
| Earthquake in Albania (AFP) |
Albanian authorities say at least 14 people have died and
600 were injured in the most powerful earthquake to hit impoverished Albania in
decades. The quake was also felt in several other Balkan nations, prompting the
European Union to offer assistance to Albania.
By Stefan J. Bos
Many residents were believed to be buried under the rubble here after Tuesday's massive earthquake rocked the capital Tirana and western and northern areas.
Albanian rescue workers were desperately searching for survivors between several destroyed buildings.
The quake collapsed at least three apartment buildings while people slept. Rescue crews were working to free people feared trapped.
But for many help has come too late.
Many residents were believed to be buried under the rubble here after Tuesday's massive earthquake rocked the capital Tirana and western and northern areas.
Albanian rescue workers were desperately searching for survivors between several destroyed buildings.
The quake collapsed at least three apartment buildings while people slept. Rescue crews were working to free people feared trapped.
But for many help has come too late.
EU concerned
The European Union closely monitors the situation. The EU's
executive European Commission expressed its solidarity with
Albania.
Commission spokesperson Mina Andreeva made clear that the EU stands ready with emergency aid should it be required. "We are all very shocked by the earthquake which occurred in Albania last night," she stressed.
She said the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and aid Commissioner Christos Stylianides "issued a declaration expressing our condolences and offering our solidarity to Albania."
Albania's 6.4 magnitude quake was also felt elsewhere in the southern Balkans, followed by multiple aftershocks.
Commission spokesperson Mina Andreeva made clear that the EU stands ready with emergency aid should it be required. "We are all very shocked by the earthquake which occurred in Albania last night," she stressed.
She said the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and aid Commissioner Christos Stylianides "issued a declaration expressing our condolences and offering our solidarity to Albania."
Albania's 6.4 magnitude quake was also felt elsewhere in the southern Balkans, followed by multiple aftershocks.
More tremors
In nearby Bosnia-Herzegovina, another earthquake with a
preliminary magnitude of 5.4 reportedly struck southeast of the capital and
rattled Sarajevo.
There were no immediate reports of casualties and only minor
damage in that earthquake.
The Albanian quake was also felt in southern Italy.
Albania's quake comes at an awkward. The Balkan country of three million people is already among Europe's most impoverished nations, and its infrastructure is lacking in several areas.
The Albanian quake was also felt in southern Italy.
Albania's quake comes at an awkward. The Balkan country of three million people is already among Europe's most impoverished nations, and its infrastructure is lacking in several areas.
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