A 9-storey block of flats in the city of Durrës was demolished Friday with a controlled explosion by the National Inspectorate for Protection of Territory (IKMT), paving the way for the reconstruction process in this area.

This building had received severe damage to the structure from the earthquake of November 26, as a result of which it was brought down by the Inspectorate. Official sources say that for its demolition 40 kilograms of explosives were placed in 1100 spots.

On the other hand, the windows of the surrounding buildings, which were very close, were also broken, while the IKMT forces feared that the powerful explosion of this building would collapse another building which was badly damaged by the earthquake in the same neighborhood.

Earlier, the Municipality of Durrës asked the residents and nearby businesses to leave, even to ensure their household equipment by putting them to the floor, also leaving the windows and doors open.