On a September day in 2019, a 5.6 Mw earthquake rattled the Albanian coastal city of Durrës, one of the oldest ports on the Adriatic Sea with a rich historical background dating back to ancient Rome. The tremor was particularly felt in the capital city of Tirana, located approximately 35 kilometers away from the epicenter. This sudden seismic activity resulted in forty-nine injuries in Tirana, as residents experienced panic and confusion during the quake, leading many to rush outdoors for safety. Emergency services were quickly mobilized to assess injuries and inspect buildings for potential structural damages, ensuring that communities received the necessary support in the aftermath of the earthquake.

In Durrës, the earthquake raised awareness about the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, prompting discussions among officials regarding the need for enhanced building codes and preparedness measures. The Albanian Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water and Environment expressed that despite the moderate intensity of the quake, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with living in a seismically active zone. As historical data indicated a trend of earthquakes in the area, building resilience against future seismic events became a priority for local authorities and communities alike.