Quakes hit Greek island of Crete and southeastern Albania

ATHENS, Greece – An earthquake with preliminary magnitude 5.2 struck the southern resort island of Crete, Greek authorities said Wednesday. No injuries or damage has been reported.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute says the earthquake occurred at 7:40 a.m. local time (0440GMT) Wednesday about 23 kilometres west of the island capital of Iraklion.

The fire service and officials on Crete said they received no reports of damage or injuries.

Strong quakes are common in Greece which lies in one of the most seismically active parts of the world. Severe damage or injuries are rare.

Later Wednesday, Albanian officials reported that a quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 struck the country’s southeast. The Defence Ministry reports no injuries or material damage.

The Institute of GeoSciences, Energy, Water and Environment said the quake struck 10 kilometres from Korca city, 170 kilometres southeast of the capital, Tirana, at 14:21 GMT.

Located along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is part of an earthquake-prone area, registering quakes every few days, though most are not felt.

Four people were injured in another quake in Korca in June.