TIRANA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake with the magnitude 5.1 of the Richter scale hit Albania at 11:01 a.m. on Wednesday, the Albanian Institute of geosciences, energy, water and environment (IGEWE) informed.

According to IGEWE, the epicenter was in the western seaside area called Lalzi Bay.

The earthquake was felt as well in Vlora, Durres, Lezha, Shkodra, Elbasan and Fier cities.

For the moment there are no reports of casualties or damages, but the shakes have panicked the public, who ran out of the buildings to streets.?