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The Vlore-Tepelene tectonic fault zone is exposed on the ground at a length of about 55 km, according to the WNW-ESE direction. It cuts across the external area of the compressional regime. During this century, the Vlore-Tepelene seismicity has been dominated by the Vermiku moderate earthquake ML4.8, that occurred on May 19, 2018, time 18:14 (UTC), coordinates 40.29N; 19.80E, depth 15 km. This shock was felt over a larger area of southern Albania. This transverse fault zone is now active and seismogenic. The database of this study, composed of 186 seismic events of ML>1.0 is characterized by tectonic earthquakes. The focal mechanisms solution of the 3 moderate earthquakes indicates stress regime in this fault zone. These focal mechanisms show the predominance of reverse fault motion with a strike-slip component, and this oblique fault motion is compatible with the present-day NE-SW extension. The analysis of main aspects of seismicity during this century enables us to correct interpretations of seismotectonics, geodynamic phenomena of the Earth’s crust and of the most upper mantel and the seismic hazard assessment of this zone. The Vlore-Tepelene transversal fault zone represents a threat to the nearby urban and Vlora tourist areas.

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