Albania declares state of emergency after earthquake

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama cancelled festivities planned for Albania's Independence Day celebration and announced a 30-day state of emergency for Durres and Thumane, Serbian rescuers have arrived at the scene, Serbian ambassador in the country Miroljub Zaric said.

Report informs that, according to the Albanian PM, the 30-day state of emergency was announced for Durres and Thumane.

"The priority is to save people's lives," said Edi Rama.

At least 27 people have been killed, 650 were injured after an earthquake struck Albania on Tuesday.

The quake, which had a preliminary rating of 6.4 magnitude, hit the European nation at an approximate depth of 20 kilometers (12 miles) early Tuesday local time. It was most tangible in Durres.

It is assumed that people can still be under the rubble, the number of victims may increase.

Notably, every year on November 28 Albanians are celebrating the Day of Albanian flag in the Balkan region and worldwide. Rama suggested postponing the festivities.

"we would like to hold three days of moorning, given the scale of the calamity... The festivities should not distract attention from the situation. Therefore, I think these two days should be viewed as the day of national solidarity, when everyone will help those who suffered, with respect to the past," the Albanian PM said.