NEWS

Strong quake of 5.8 Richter rattles Ionian island of Cephalonia [Update]

The Ionian island of Cephalonia was rattled by a tremor measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale on Sunday at 3.55 p.m., according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center initially said the quake measured 5.9 Richter but later revised the magnitude to 6.

The epicenter of the quake was some 11 kilometers from the island’s main town of Argostoli and 2 kilometers to the north of the town of Lixouri.

The tremor was felt strongly in Patra and Athens, and as far away as Karditsa and Larissa in central Greece.

No reports of injuries were made initially, though local authorities suggested that there has been some damage to buildings, mostly broken windows, and to Cephalonia’s road network. The local soccer ground has reportedly suffered a deep rift.

Strong aftershocks up to 4.4 Richter have also been recorded.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras dispatched Interior Minister Yiannis Michelakis to the island to conduct an inspection.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.