March 9, 1957
THESSALY EARTHQUAKES: Volos, 9 (From our correspondent) – At 1.15 p.m. today the Pyrpolitis torpedo boat arrived in the port with King Pavlos and Queen Frederiki on board, accompanied by Princess Sofia. Nearly all the inhabitants of Volos, despite the tragedy that had befallen them, gave the royal family an enthusiastic welcome. The royals were driven to the center of town and then visited the villages of Velestino and Rizomylo, which were almost totally destroyed in the recent earthquakes. They left in the afternoon for the quake-stricken area of Larissa, visiting several villages including Zappeion, Megalo Haliki, Halkiades, Polydamion, Skoutousa and Aghios Constantinos, all of which have suffered major damage. The royals, after being briefed on the destruction and engaging in talks with local residents, returned to Volos via villages in the Farsala district. According to reports from local Interior Ministry officials, residents of the quake-stricken villages are afraid to re-enter their homes. Most of the rest of the population are also remaining outdoors. None of the buildings constructed after the last quakes in 1955, all of which have incorporated anti-seismic construction methods, sustained any damage.
