The 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Durres claimed 41 lives (so far 28 November, 16:54), but the number of casualties is thought to have gone up to 44. If not enough, given previous world experiences, the question mark caused a tsunami (tidal wave or series of waves in a watershed area caused by the displacement of a large volume of water). Will the devastating earthquake in Durres be followed by a tsunami?
According to information at ThinkHazard.org, Albania is at an average level for the tsunami risk. This website, which is run by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, points out that the chances for Albania to be affected by a tsunami are up to more than 10%.
Currently, no experts have been warned about the tsunami risk. Invited to Top Talk on Top Channel, seismologist Llambro Duni emphasized that there is no danger.
According to the United States Geological Survey (US Geological Survey), earthquakes below 6.5 are not likely to cause a tsunami. The devastating November 26 earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4.
Even earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 to 7.5 usually do not cause dangerous tsunamis, although changes in sea level are observed. Destructive tsunamis result from earthquakes greater than 7.6.
