Remembering the 1999 Athens earthquake that killed 143 people

·

On September 7, 1999, Athens was struck by a devastating earthquake, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale. It led to the death of 143 people, more than 700 were injured, 50,000 were homeless and there was damage to 70,000 buildings.

Damage:

The earthquake struck unexpectedly at 2:56:50 pm local time and lasted approximately 15 seconds near Mount Parnitha in Greece.

The proximity to the Athens metropolitan area resulted in widespread structural damage, mainly to the nearby suburbs of Ano Liosia, Acharnes, Fyli, Kifissia, Kamatero and Metamorfosi.

The Acropolis of Athens and the rest of the city’s famous ancient monuments escaped the disaster either totally unharmed or suffering only minor damage.

A landslide as well as several fissures were reported along the road leading to the peak of Mount Parnitha. Minor damage was also reported to water and waste networks close to the epicenter.

Response:

Rescue teams sifted through the rubble in Athens in an effort to find any survivors. Local residents joined in, contributing garden tools and hammers to the work of the cranes which moved large chunks of damaged concrete.

People yelled into narrow crevices in the rubble, desperately trying to communicate with anyone who might still be alive beneath the damage.

Dust-covered and shocked victims were pulled from the rubble and quickly whisked off in ambulances to the nearest hospital.

The quake was the most costly natural disaster to hit Greece in nearly 20 years.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Consul General of Greece meets with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan

Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, met with the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, at the Victorian Parliament.

Sydney Olympic seal statement win over Marconi Stallions

Sydney Olympic proved too hot to handle for Marconi Stallions as they scored an impressive 2-0 win at Jubilee Stadium on Saturday evening.

Greece rejects Turkish Foreign Minister’s claims on minority rights and Cyprus

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stirred controversy on Saturday, June 21, with remarks about Thrace, the Dodecanese, and Cyprus.

Sakkari advances at Bad Homburg Open amid heated exchange with Putintseva

Maria Sakkari progressed to the second round of the Bad Homburg Open on Sunday after a 7-5, 7-6(6) win over Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva.

Wildfire forces evacuations on Greek island of Chios

Over 100 firefighters, backed by aircraft, battled a major wildfire near the main town of Chios on Sunday, prompting evacuation of 12 areas.

You May Also Like

Calling all youth: Enter The Greek Herald’s Christmas print cover competition

Calling all children aged 5 - 15: Please enter The Greek Herald's Christmas print cover competition by December 9.

Ancient Olympia brought to life in new app to be developed in partnership with Microsoft

Ancient Olympia, the ancient birthplace of one of the world's largest sporting events, is to be showcased to people around the world through a new app.

Elderly Greek couple assaulted during home invasion in Sydney’s south

Three armed intruders have forced their way into an elderly Greek couple's home in Sydney's south on Tuesday night and assaulted them.