Albania Earthquake: Strong 6.4 Magnitude Quake Strikes Country, Heavy Damage Reported [Photos, Videos]

UPDATE: 1.20 a.m. EST - According to reports, at least three people were dead and over 150 injured in one of the strongest earthquakes to strike Albania in decades. The death toll is expected to rise as several people are reportedly trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Addressing the media at a local hospital, President Ilir Meta said, "Hopefully there will be no more casualties. It is important to identify all damaged housing and if there are citizens who need immediate assistance. Faster reporting of the situation in the most affected areas is required. I would like to thank the medical staff who are fully prepared. The whole of Albania is deeply shocked and we hope no more casualties. It is important today to be with people in need!"

Original story:

A strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Albania, a country in Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, on Tuesday. According to reports, the epicenter of the tremor was north of the city of Durres.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake struck seven miles southwest of Mamurras at a depth of 12 miles. The quake hit the country at 2.54 a.m. local time, Tuesday (8.54 p.m. EST, Monday). The tremors were felt in countries including Bulgaria, Bosnia and Croatia. Strong shocks were also felt throughout southern Italy.

“The M6.4 earthquake that just hit Albania (local time early Tuesday morning) is likely to have caused damage and casualties. Located near the coast, there are several small towns nearby, some with vulnerable buildings and pretty strong shaking in Tirane,” seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones tweeted.

Though no official information was available about the causalities or the extent of damage caused by the quake, several people took to Twitter to post photos and videos of the damage.