4.8 magnitude earthquake shakes northern Kosovo

Associated Press , Mitrovica, Kosovo | Wed, 03/10/2010 9:47 PM

Serbian seismologists say an earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale has shaken northern Kosovo, causing brief power outages in some places. There were no immediate reports of damages.

The quake on Wednesday at 2:38 p.m. had its epicenter close to the town of Istog, some 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of the capital Pristina. The tremor was felt across Kosovo and forced people out of their homes in the town of Mitrovica, in Kosovo's north.

Kosovo police say they have are on a state of alert following the tremor.

Seismologist Branko Dragicevic says the tremor of such strength can cause damage on badly built houses.