Seismologist says ‘no reason for concern’ after 5.2M earthquake on Evia
A seismologist has assured the public there is “no reason for concern” following Tuesday morning’s 5.2-magnitude earthquake on the island of Evia.
The tremor struck at 12:27 a.m., five kilometers northwest of the village of Nea Styra, at a depth of 13.6 kilometers, according to the Institute of Geodynamics in Athens. It could be felt in Athens and further afield.
“Thus far, at least 15 aftershocks of up to 2.7 magnitude have been recorded. We are probably dealing with the main event, but we must wait to see how the seismic sequence develops,” said Efthymios Lekkas, geology professor and president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, speaking to state broadcaster ERT.
“There is no issue. This is an area that, based on historical and instrumental data, does not usually generate stronger earthquakes. We are monitoring the situation, but there is absolutely no reason for concern.”
No significant damage has been reported. The Fire Service has dispatched patrols across southern Evia and eastern Attica, while two EMAK rescue teams remain on standby.
Many residents of Nea Styra, however, spent the night outdoors out of caution. “The earthquake lasted a long time and we were very worried. It was the first time we felt such a strong quake in our area,” one local resident told ERT.
Video footage from a supermarket security camera showed some bottles of wine falling from shelves when the quake struck.
Kathimerini
