Zakynthos reels under 6.4 magnitude earthquake
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| Cracks appear following the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Greece (Eurokinissi) |
A
powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck a southern island , with its tremors
being felt across the nation.
By
John Carr
The
people on the western Greek island of Zakynthos were in shock today, after a
powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale hit the island in the
middle of the night.
The
quake caught most people in bed. But few on Zakynthos actually slept last
night, spending the night in their cars or outdoors. More than 100 aftershocks
have been reported so far. Many buildings have been damaged. A huge half-metre
wide crack has split the wharf of the main town of Zakynthos right along its
length.
It
was the strongest quake on the island since the 1953 killer quakes that claimed
hundreds of lives. Since then most buildings have been made to withstand major
shocks, which explains why no injuries have been reported, despite the 6.4
Richter strength. Also, the epicentre was under the seabed south of the island.
The
quake was felt as far away as Sicily and Albania. Zakynthos and the other
western Greek islands lie on one of the world’s shakiest fault lines
Officials
here in Athens warned that the danger was not over, and that possibly a new
strong quake of up to 6 Richter could hit Zakynthos in the next few hours or
days.
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