An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale in Mytilene-Lekkas was recorded on the evening of January 21.
According to the Institute of Geodynamics, its epicenter is located 9 km east/northeast of Mithimna Lesbu (Μήθυμνας Λέσβου), the depth of the source was 13.9 km. 15 minutes after the strong shock came aftershock measuring 2.7 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was approximately in the same place as the first earthquake.
How writes newsbeast.gr, the earthquake was also felt in Chios, there are no reports of damage or casualties yet. The earthquake caused landslides between Argenos and Vafios in northern Lesvos, and the road is closed, according to Lepetimnos community president Themis Kammenos.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said in a Facebook post that the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.2, adding that tremors were expected.
Efthimios Lekkas, professor in the department of dynamic tectonics, applied geology and disaster management, says it is too early to say the exact size of the earthquake:
“This is a major fault that was active 4 years ago and has now become active again. Essentially, this is a rift that should be underwater, but we need to see more evidence. This is the point that causes earthquakes. Judging by the fact that so far it seems that this will not have significant consequences.”
Mr Lekkas notes that seismic vibrations occurred in the underwater zone, but not far from land. There are no reports of destruction and specialists are monitoring the development of the phenomenon.
We remind you that the earthquake data that comes from the Athens Geodynamic Institute or the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Institute are solutions obtained by an automatic computer system without the participation of a seismologist. They are constantly updated as new data becomes available.
Schools of all grades in the municipalities of Mandamado, Mithimna and Petra in the municipality of Western Lesbos will remain closed today, Wednesday 22 January, in order to checking school buildings for possible earthquake consequences. The mayor of Western Lesbos, Taxiarchos Verros, stated:
“There are no reports of damage to schools, but we will begin inspections in the morning for preventive purposes.”
Rockfall noted in Mytilene after earthquake, landslides between Argenos and Vafios in northern Lesbos, road closed. No other damage has been reported yet. The earthquake was quite strong and was felt in Chios, Komotini, and also in Turkey.
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