Six years have passed since that dark morning of November 26, 2019, when a powerful earthquake struck Albania and left the country facing one of the worst tragedies in its modern history. For Albanians, especially those in Durrës, Thumanë, Laç, and Tirana, the memories of that day remain as vivid as ever—memories of fear, destruction, heroism, and heartbreaking loss.
At exactly 03:54 in the morning, Albania was shaken by violent tremors that lasted nearly 55 seconds, long enough to devastate entire neighborhoods and forever reshape the lives of thousands. The earthquake, with its epicenter 16 km southwest of Mamurras, reached far beyond the borders of Albania. Reports indicated that the shockwaves were felt up to 370 km away, across cities in the Balkans and even parts of Southern Italy.
What followed was a nationwide emergency, with scenes of collapsed buildings, desperate rescue operations, and families searching for their loved ones.
A Tragedy with a Heavy Human Cost
The earthquake claimed the lives of 51 people, including 10 children aged just 2 to 10 years old. Over 900 individuals were injured, and the emotional scars it left behind extended far beyond the immediate victims.
For many, the trauma did not end when the earth stopped shaking. Among the victims were also individuals who tragically lost their lives due to psychological distress and trauma in the days following the disaster. This earthquake was not only a physical tragedy, but a profound emotional and societal one.
The number of displaced citizens exceeded 5,200, families who suddenly found themselves without a home, forced to sleep in emergency tents, gyms, hotel halls, or even inside their cars.
Durrës and Thumanë: The Epicenters of Destruction
While the quake affected several regions, Durrës—Albania’s coastal tourism capital—and Thumanë, a small town with a strong community fabric, suffered the most devastating blows.
In Durrës
Multiple multi-story buildings collapsed, including hotels, apartment blocks, and residential towers. Live rescue operations were broadcast on national and international media as firefighters, soldiers, and volunteers worked tirelessly to save those trapped beneath the rubble.
In Thumanë
The tragedy reached its most heartbreaking point.
Four buildings collapsed completely, including a five-story residential building. Many families were wiped out in an instant, and the images of the ruins of Thumanë became symbolic of the national pain.
Laç and Lezha
These areas also suffered heavy structural damage, prompting the government to later extend the state of emergency to Laç and Lezha, alongside Durrës, Thumanë, and Tirana.
A National Emergency and a Collective Response
The Albanian government immediately declared a state of emergency, deploying the army, police, and emergency rescue teams to the affected regions. Hundreds of soldiers and officers were sent to assist in search-and-rescue missions and to help set up temporary shelters.
International assistance also arrived swiftly, with rescue teams from several European countries joining the operations. The images of joint Albanian-Foreign teams searching for survivors became a reminder of the global solidarity shown to Albania during one of its darkest hours.
Despite the rapid response, the emotional toll on survivors was immense. Thousands spent nights in tents and temporary structures as strong aftershocks kept shaking the country, exacerbating fear and uncertainty.
Albania’s Seismic Reality: A Country at the Crossroads of Tectonic Plates
Situated between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, Albania is geographically positioned in a region of high seismic activity. The western lowlands, in particular, are historically prone to earthquakes.
The November 26 tragedy revived discussions about:
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structural vulnerabilities,
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construction quality,
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urban planning flaws,
and the need for stronger building codes.
Experts often reference the 1979 earthquake that struck Montenegro and Northern Albania, resulting in 136 deaths, as another reminder of the region’s seismic volatility.
The geology of the Albanian territory, combined with active thrust faulting, makes the country particularly susceptible to strong and damaging earthquakes—meaning preparedness and resilience must remain a long-term national priority.
Six Years Later: A Nation That Remembers
Today, six years after the earthquake, Albania honors the memory of the victims with ceremonies, moments of silence, and reflection. For many families, the losses remain too deep to ever heal completely. For the nation, November 26 stands as a day of collective mourning but also of unity and resilience.
The tragedy changed the country, reshaped conversations around safety, and strengthened the bond between Albanians, both within the country and across the diaspora.
As Albania remembers this difficult anniversary, one message remains clear:
The memory of the victims and the lessons of November 26 must never be forgotten.