An earthquake with the magnitude 5.2 of the Richter scale hit Albania at on Wednesday, country's Institute of Geosciences, energy, water and environment (IGEWE) reported.

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

The earthquake was felt  in Vlora, Durres, Lezha, Shkodra, Elbasan and Fier cities as well as in Podgorica, the capital of neighbouring Montenegro.

There are no immediate reports of casualties or damages, but the shakes caused panic among the population, who sought shelter outside the buildings.