Albania has been hit by the most powerful earthquake in decades causing buildings to collapse. At least 25 people died and scores more were injured.

The 6.4 magnitude quake struck just before 4:00am local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was centered about 30 kilometers west of the capital Tirana at a shallow depth of 10km. Several powerful aftershocks followed.

The village nearest the epicenter, Thumane, was hit, with reports of damage to at least three apartment buildings and a power distribution station. 

Buildings have also collapsed in the nearby, larger town of Durres. 

Firefighters and army staff  initially sought to clear rubble by hand as they waited for heavy lifting equipment to arrive..

The tremors also hit the capital Tirana with witnesses reporting people fleeing onto the streets, some carrying babies. Shocks were also felt in Montenegro, Greece and Italy.

This is the second powerful earthquake to hit Albania, Europe's poorest nation, this year. In September a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck, damaging around 500 houses. According to the Defense Ministry this latest one is the most powerful to hit the country in more than 30 years.