Earthquake shakes Greece

Athens was the site of the serious earthquake to hit Greece

PATRAS, Greece -- A moderate earthquake has rocked parts of south-western Greece, but there are no reports of damage or injuries.

The undersea quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 4.1, occurred on Friday at 5:37 a.m. (0337 GMT) off Patras, about 180 kilometres (115 miles) west of Athens, the Athens Geodynamic Institute said.

A quake of magnitude 2.5 to 3 is the smallest generally felt by people. A quake of magnitude 5 can cause moderate damage. More than 100 people died after an earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hit Athens just over two years ago.

Over 1,600 were taken to hospital after the quake in September 1999.

The ancient city was an incongruous sight as tent cities grew up all over the suburbs.

At the time the government did not predict further earthquakes in the immediate future but many of the capital's five million residents were not convinced. They refused to enter their homes to sleep.

Now many Greeks in the south-western part of the country fear they may be hit with a larger quake like the one which hit Athens.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Greek Government
The Global Earthquake Response Centre

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