An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 struck west of Albania on Saturday, September 21, but caused only mir injuries, country's government said.

Citing country's Institute of GeoSciences, Energy, Water and Environment, Albania's defence ministry said quake struck 13 kilometres (8 miles) rth of port city of Durres, at Cape of Rodon, at 2:04 p.m. local time (1204 GMT).

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Residents ran out of ir homes

government's report revealed that tremor was mainly felt along Albania's west coast. An aftershock with a preliminary magnitude of 5.3 sent all residents running out of homes and apartments. Witnesses in Durres and capital of Tirana reported damd homes and apartments and power being temporarily cut.

"We got so scared, it was so powerful, we've never felt anything like it before," said witness Selma Rexhepi.  

Albanian Health Minister said early reports indicated at least 68 people were injured, ne seriously. All were treated at hospitals in Durres as well as in capital Tirana. 108 homes around country suffered dam and one collapsed, according to country's defence minister.  

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Townhalls open shelters for those who are unable to go inside ir homes

Town halls have opened shelters for people who are unable to go inside ir homes. Prime Minister Edi Rama cancelled a trip to United Nations annual meeting and returned to Albania to evaluate dam. Located along riatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is earthquake-prone and registers seismic activity every few days.

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