Greek seismologist: “We expect a strong earthquake and tsunami in the Gulf of Corinth”

“We expect a strong earthquake in the Gulf of Corinth,” warns Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos, urging citizens and the state to be prepared for it.

In an interview with the Patras newspaper Peloponnisos, Gerasimos Papadopoulos explains that “strong earthquakes, more than 6 on the Richter scale, occur frequently, on average every 25-30 years, and this follows from the data recorded since 1850”:

“What does this average mean? Sometimes we can get two earthquakes in a row in a shorter time, and sometimes in a slightly longer time. Therefore, sooner or later, we cannot accurately predict when the second strong earthquake will occur in the Gulf of Corinth. Now after It’s been 27 years since the last major earthquake… So we’re waiting for it. That’s something that all scientists agree on. Yes, we have to be prepared. Just like in other parts of the country.”

When asked which part of the Corinthian Gulf worries him the most, he replied as follows:

“The most active is the western part. That is, the area between Aigio, Eratini and Akrata. This part is more active in terms of seismic excitation than the eastern part. More active means that it gives more frequent earthquakes. This is not only my personal opinion, but also generally accepted opinion of the scientific community.

With regard to the protection of citizens and the caution they should exercise, he noted the following:

“We are in the coastal zone in summer or winter. We feel a strong earthquake. We do not expect any other information from anyone. We immediately move away from the coast, because the tsunami can come a few minutes after the earthquake. If we are even a little late, this can be decisive, we may not be in time. And we immediately leave either as far as possible from the coast, or to higher floors of buildings if we are in a hotel or apartment building next to the sea. And we do not return to see what happened. We are out for 3-4 hours to wait out any danger.”

On the occasion of the interview, in a Facebook post, Papadopoulos wrote the following: “Earthquakes in the Gulf of Corinth is the topic of my interview today with Mr. Christos Verganakis. This is the topic of today’s column in Peloponnese’s largest newspaper Peloponnisos. I explain that strong earthquakes occur every 25-30 years, which is since the last strong earthquake in Aigio (June 1995) 27 years have passed, and what worries us is not only the Alcyonides fault, but also many other active faults.The most active is its western part, but prevention and protection measures should cover the entire region, as well as the whole country.Except In addition, I explain that often strong earthquakes in the Corinth Sea cause localized but powerful tsunamis. Therefore, prevention and protection measures should include this case as well.”

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