Tirana, Nov 29 (IANS) The death toll in the earthquake that struck Albania on Tuesday has climbed to 46, the European country's Defence Ministry said.

According to the ministry's statement on Thursday, 22 of the killed are from Durres and Kruje, Xinhua reported.

The hope for finding more survivors is fading as rescue operations are coming to an end three days after the quake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale hit the country on Tuesday morning.

--IANS vin/