Early morning earthquake rattles Greece
Digital Reporter
Monday, February 3, 2014, 10:43 AM -
A Magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the Greek island of Kefalonia in the early morning hours Monday, damaging buildings and sending residents fleeing out of their homes into the street.
The Associated Press reports 16 people were injured, mostly by falling debris. Homes, businesses, roads and even the island's port infrastructure suffered damage during the quake.
Photo reported from Eleni Antonelou #Lixouri #Kefalonia early morning new #earthquake @Disaster_Center pic.twitter.com/3y80QVw4jI
— Ibstpi_Trainers (@ibstpi_trainers) February 3, 2014
No comments #Kefalonia pic.twitter.com/OS60E2aj38
— Makis Sinodinos (@MakisSinodinos) February 3, 2014
Lixouri early morning after new #kefaloniaearthquake 6.1R
#Kefalonia pic.twitter.com/IqDOYuA3R3
— Ibstpi_Trainers (@ibstpi_trainers) February 3, 2014
Thinking of you all in #Kefalonia today ... pray that despite the earthquakes you all stay safe pic.twitter.com/F9i3Aa5x7Z
— GERARD JAMES HAY (@GERARDJAMESHAY) February 3, 2014
It's the second tremblor to strike the island in a week. On January 26, a Magnitude 5.9 quake rattled the island, damaging hundreds of homes.
Seismologists in Greece said Monday's tremor may have been a powerful aftershock from the January 26 quake, and warned residents that more aftershocks are likely,
Authorities are urging people not to approach damaged homes or buildings, and to make arrangements for long-term alternative shelter, although many residents will struggle in the first few days with the Greek winter.
Hundreds of Kefalonians will spend the night in their cars. And #Kefalonia is a cold place this time of the year.
— Damian Mac Con Uladh (@damomac) February 3, 2014
Greece is one of the most Earthquake-prone countries in the world. Kefalonia itself has been the centre of several major quakes.
In 1953, that island and neighbouring Zakinthos were struck by two tremors that killed hundreds of people, injured thousands more, and levelled almost every building on the islands.
With files from the Associated Press.
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