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Strong earthquake rattles Greek capital
A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale shook several parts of Greece and was felt as far away as Egypt and Italy.
A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale shook several parts of Greece and was felt as far away as Egypt and Italy on Sunday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The quake, which lasted about seven seconds at 1.35 pm (local time) was felt as far away as 200 km north of Athens, according to the US Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Centre.
The quake's epicentre was reported to be 120 km southeast of Athens, near the southeastern part of the Peloponnese Peninsula, between the island of Kythira and Crete at a depth of 69 km.
The semi-official Athens News Agency said there was minor damage to the airport on the island of Kythira but no injuries.
Residents on the nearby island of Crete were in panic and were outside their homes.
"People are still frightened and waiting outside their homes in the town of Kastelli," said Voula Papadakis from Crete.
Police officials in various parts of Greece said there were no reports yet of any major damage to buildings or of casualties in central and southern parts of the country.
Italian and Egyptian media reported that the quake was felt in Cairo and across much of southern Italy, from the Adriatic port of Bari to the port city of Naples.
In September 1999, an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck Athens, killing at least 143 people and leaving 60,000 homeless.
