According to the European Earthquake Center EMSC, several earthquakes have been recorded in the morning on the Greek island of Crete.
The first was the most powerful, with a strength of 6.2 and a depth of 2 kilometers.
One person must be dead, reports AFP, which points to Greek TV. The deceased man was working in a church that collapsed during the quake. Nine people are also injured, according to local authorities.
A chapel in the village of Arkalochori was among the buildings that collapsed during the earthquake. Photo: Harry Nikos / AP / NTB
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EMSC first set the strength to 6.5, but gradually downgraded to 6.2 and then 6.0. The Athens Geodynamic Institute estimates that the quake had a magnitude of 5.8. It is common to have different measurements of the strength of an earthquake right after it has occurred.
The quake struck shortly after 8 a.m. Monday morning.
– Large, long-lasting and very frightening, writes one of those who have described the experience of the earthquake in EMSC’s comment field.
The area was also hit by at least nine aftershocks, the strongest of which had a magnitude of around 4.7.
Status per clock 09.40. Overview of eight of the earthquakes that came after the first and most powerful. Screenshot: EMSC
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All the quakes are registered between 20-31 kilometers away from the island’s largest city – the popular holiday destination Heraklion.
The quakes led to many people fleeing the streets, and eyewitnesses report damage to buildings, writes NTB. Photos on social media also show damage to buildings.
There have been no reports of injuries so far.
According to Swedish seismologist Björn Lund, earthquakes are common near Crete.
– There are many earthquakes all over the Greek archipelago, so it is not surprising in any way. But such strong earthquakes in the middle of the island do not happen that often, says Björn Lund Aftonbladet.
Dagbladet comes with more.
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