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live Another earthquake of 5.7 on the Richter scale in Kefalonia

03 February 2014 / 11:02:51  GRReporter
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Another strong earthquake rocked the island of Kefalonia at 5:08 am today. According to the Institute of Geodesy in Athens, the power of the quake was 5.7 on the Richter scale and its epicentre 12 kilometres northwest of the town of Argostoli, the most significant damage being in the area of ​​Lixouri. The director of the local hospital states for Skai TV that so far 9 people with minor injuries have been hospitalized, adding that the building has not been damaged.


    Local people claim that the earthquake has caused cracks along the Argostoli - Lixouri road, in the port of Lixouri as well as in houses in both towns. Currently the weather on the island is cold and strong winds are blowing there too. The neighbouring island of Zakynthos and the cities of Patras, Messolonghi, and Nafpaktos felt the earthquake as well. Ten minutes later, at 5:16 am, there was another earthquake of 4.5 on the Richter scale.
    International institutes, however, claim that the quake was stronger. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first earthquake was of 6.4 on the Richter scale and the second of 6.1 whereas its epicentre was 122 kilometres west of Patras and its depth relatively shallow, namely 19.7 kilometres. Euro-Mediterranean Seismic Centre states that the power of the earthquake was 6.1 on the Richter scale.


    Professor of geology Evtimios Lekkas, who is currently in Kefalonia, speaks of a powerful earthquake the epicentre of which was different from that of the quake that rocked the island 8 days ago. Probably it was in the sea and its power was about 6 on the Richter scale. "The hotel where I'm staying is almost destroyed," the geologist states for Skai TV.
    Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos is of different opinion, namely that the seismic focus was the same. "We are talking about the strongest aftershock; a new seismic centre has not become active. I expect intense seismic activity over the next two days and advise the residents of Kefalonia to be calm and patient," he said.


    Professor of seismology Konstantinos Makropoulos states that an earthquake of this magnitude is devastating for the buildings on the island, adding that aftershocks will last for a long period of time.

Tags: EarthquakeKefaloniaEpicentreArgostoliLixouriEarthquake powerRichter scale
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