Many Albanians are yet to return to their homes after an earthquake rocked the port city of Durres and capital Tirana, injuring dozens of people and damaging homes. 

The quake, which measured 5.6 on the Richter scale, and its slightly weaker aftershock sent residents rushing into open spaces.

They are now lodged in temporary shelters while the authorities assess damage to the buildings.

Health Minister Ogerta Manastirliu said most of the injured have been discharged after treatment.

There has been no loss of life.

The tremors disrupted power and water supplies in Tirana, Durres and other central and western districts, too.

Albania's Defense Ministry described the earthquake as the strongest the country has experienced in last 20 to 30 years.

Events at home have forced Prime Minister Edi Rama to cancel his plans to attend the annual session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The US Geological Survey sighted a preliminary recording of 5.6 on the Richter scale and located the epicenter of the earthquake near Durres.

The Albanian Geosciences Institute gave a separate reading of 5.8, followed by an aftershock 11 minutes later measuring 5.3.

Situated along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is known to be in an earthquake-prone zone and registers frequent seismic activity.