April 26, 2024

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Strong earthquake of magnitude 5.9 on the Richter scale off the coast of Rhodes


Today, at 14:37, a strong earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of Rhodes, the epicenter of which was in the sea zone. At the same time, the tremors were felt even in Crete.

According to the Institute of Geodynamics, an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale (5.7 on the Richter scale, according to the first assessment of the automatic recorder), with an epicenter in the sea, was recorded at a distance of 58 km from Lindos.

Initially, the Euro-Mediterranean assessment of the earthquake was 6 on the Richter scale, but this was later changed to 5.9.

The vibration was especially noticeable and caused concern among the inhabitants of the island, however, according to preliminary information, no damage or damage was recorded.

“It was a short earthquake, but strong. We saw objects “swaying” from the tremors, as well as the movement of the canopy over our cars. We don’t have photos of the damage yet, we haven’t received a call. Only information was received about a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale, ”said a source from the Lindos fire department.

“We can say that this is a classic “six” (6-magnitude earthquake) that occurred in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. The distance from the coast is great, and therefore its effect is limited and should not be frightened,” Kostas Papazachos, seismologist, professor of seismology at AUTH, told iefimerida.gr.

Asked if he was worried about a particular earthquake, Mr Papazachos replied that “5.9 is certainly not a small number, but I would say that there is no cause for concern. This is a normal earthquake for the area.”

In a conversation with the Athens and Macedonian News Agency, seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos confirmed that the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale.

Fortunately, he noted, the focus of occurrence was in the sea, 58 km southeast of Lindos. It was strongly felt throughout the island and in the wider area. “It’s too early to make judgments,” Mr. Papadopoulos added.

“So far there are no reports of danger to life or property damage”

In a social media post, South Aegean Regional Governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos states: “So far there are no reports of danger to life or property damage from the earthquake that hit east of Rhodes today.”



Source link

Verified by MonsterInsights