While the rescue efforts continue to be underway to find survivors of the earthquake that has killed 42 and injured 650 in Albania, fresh tremors have been reported as recently as two hours ago. 

The news agencies have reported strong siesmic activity in several cities in Albania. The Seismic Center has confirmed that the magnitude of the recent tremor was 5.3 on the Rihter scale, with the epicenter in the Adriatic Sea. Due to the ongoing seismic activity, the rescue efforts in Tirana and Durrës have been put on hold at this time for safety reasons. The situation has caused panic among the population. 

Previously it was reported that an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck 34km (21 miles) north-west of the capital, Tirana, as people slept in their beds during the early hours of Tuesday.

Most of the deaths occurred in the coastal city of Durres and the town of Thumane, close to the epicentre.

Hundreds spent the night in tents, some slept in cars, as aftershocks continue.

Some 500 shocks have been felt since the initial quake hit at 03:54 local time (02:54 GMT) on Tuesday. Search teams have arrived from a number of European countries to help find survivors.

This is an ongoing story. Dielli will continue to update. The Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra has started a fundraising campaign for the people affected by the earthquake and stands by them at this difficult time. (www.gazetadielli.com)