Greece earthquake aftershocks: Is it safe to travel to Greece? Zante and Crete MAPPED
A POWERFUL earthquake struck off the coast of one of Greece’s most popular tourist islands this morning. Is it safe to travel to Greece and are Greek islands affected by quake?
Greece: Lights swing in house after earthquake hits
The massive 6.8 magnitude quake struck in the Ionian Sea close to the tourist island of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, on Friday morning, October 26.
Tremors were first felt just before 2am local time.
The earthquake had a depth of around 16 kilometres and according to reports, the quake lasted 15 to 30 seconds.
At least three people have been taken to the hospital, but there are no reports of serious injuries.
The tremor was felt in the Greek capital of Athens, and as far away as Albania, Italy, Libya and Malta.
Greece lies in one of the world's most earthquake-prone regions, with thousands of quakes recorded every year.
The quake occurred as the result of rupture on or near the plate boundary between the Nubia (Africa) and the Eurasia plates, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
Civil protection agency press spokesman Spyros Georgiou said: “We’re checking out the villages on the islands, where there are several older buildings.
“The lack of electricity is a problem, but technicians are trying to restore power.”
Since the 6.8 quake struck, more than 10 aftershocks have been recorded.
The series of strong aftershocks, the highest being at 5.6, disrupted power on the island of Zante this morning.
Is it safe to travel to Greece?
There has been no official statement on whether it is safe to travel to Greece or not but it is worth noting aftershocks are still happening in the region.
Zante’s main harbour in the Ionian Sea was damaged but according to civil protection agency press spokesman Spyros Georgiou, it is still functional.
He said: “We're checking out the villages on the island, where there are several older buildings.
“The lack of electricity is a problem, but technicians are trying to restore power.”
Zakynthos Mayor Pavlos Kolokotsas told Greek state broadcaster ERT: “We are not facing any particular problems.
“Calm is being restored.”
And a tourist on the island tweeted: "Minimal damage. Back to bed”
The island of Zakynthos has had severe earthquakes in the past and, as a result, has a very strict building safety code.