06 Dec 2020 | 08:07 AM UTC
Albania: Magnitude-4.6 earthquake occurs near Mamurras at around 0819 CET Dec. 6
Magnitude-4.6 earthquake occurs in central Albania at around 0819 CET Dec. 6. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-4.6 earthquake occurred in central Albania at around 0819 CET Dec. 6. The epicenter was about 16 km (10 miles) west-southwest of Mamurras in Lezhe County. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and weak shaking was probably felt throughout Albania, as well as in Kosovo, Montenegro, and western North Macedonia. Shaking may also have occurred in southern Croatia, including Dubrovnik, and parts of southeastern Italy, including Brindisi. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Advice
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.