[01] Two Killed in the Quake

08 Ioyn 2008 19:07:0 (Last updated: 08 Ioyn 2008 21:36:3)

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

The 6.5-magnitude quake that hit south-western Greece and mainly the prefectures of Ilia and Achaia killed two and injured dozens. The epicentre of the quake was in Andravida. As per the Athens Observatory, the quake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale and was registered at 15:25. As its depth was only 10 kilometres below ground surface it was felt in the biggest part of Greece and even in northern Greece. Among the several aftershocks that followed, the most powerful measured 4.7 on the Richter scale and was registered at 15:45. While the state is on alert, scientists are monitoring the aftershock sequence, advising the people to remain calm.

Inhabitants in Panic

As the tremor caused panic to the inhabitants of the Peloponnese, many of them are still out of their houses. As per the Fire Brigade, the prefectures of Achaia and Ilia and specifically the Patras industrial area, as well as Amaliada, Lechena, Pyrgos and Vartholomio were struck most by the quake.

A 65-year-old man in Kato Ahagia lost his life when the roof of his house collapsed. As per the police, over 15 old houses have collapsed and many more sustained serious damages.

Meanwhile, EMAK forces freed a small girl from the rubble in Fostaina and a three-member family of foreigners in Vartholomio.

More than 85 injured people have been transferred to hospitals in the Patras area and to Health Centres in the prefectures of Achaia and Ilia. While most of them have suffered minor injuries, three will be operated as they suffered fractures.

Moreover, the circulation of cars was disrupted on the 74 kilometre of Tripolis-Ancient Olympia national road and in Diakofto due to landslides. The circulation of cars was restored in Diakofto in the afternoon.

On a relative development, as the railway lines in Kato Ahagia sustained damages train services were suspended and the bus service took over.

Prompt Action

At the same time, the government and the competent authorities are on alert to tackle the problems caused by the quake.

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis has decided that those whose house was destroyed from the quake will receive 3,000 as aid, while Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis promised them an additional 2,000 from KEDKE reserves.

The prime minister is in constant contact with the Interior, Environment and Health ministers, while EMAK forces from Athens, Ioannina and Lamia have arrived in the quake-stricken areas to offer their help.

Furthermore, a group of 25 civil engineers will carry out checks in all schools. Schools in the prefectures of Achaia and Ilia will remain closed Monday. 60 additional civil engineers will carry out checks in other buildings.

Finally, Andravida and Araxos airports are in operation despite the fact that they suffered damages. Elefsina airport is on alert in order to send Special Forces to the quake-hit areas if necessary.

Seismologists' Assessments

OASP (Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation) President Constantinos Makropoulos reported that seismologists were not surprised as the region is rich in seismic activity. Although he speculated that the 6.5-magnitude quake was the main quake, he added that we should wait for 48 hours for a safe assessment of the aftershock activity.

From his side, Geology Professor Efthymios Lekkas argued that Mr Lagios group had forecast that quake. Their forecast was posted on the Internet and was sent to OASP.

Finally, Director Dimitris Stavrakakis of the Geodynamics Institute of the Athens Observatory and Athens Geodynamics Director Gerasimos Papadopoulos believe that the 6.5-magnitude quake is probably the main quake.

From his side, Professor Papazahos advised residents to remain calm and not spend the night in homes that sustained cracks.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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6.5-Magnitude Quake

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