‘It was a difficult night’: Residents uneasy as aftershocks rattle quake-hit Crete

·

By Panagiotis Dalatariof

Aftershocks continue to rattle Greece’s largest island Crete two days after a strong earthquake that killed one-person, damaged hundreds of buildings and left many homeless.

The strongest tremor was measured at 5.3 magnitude at 7:48 a.m. (0448 GMT) on Tuesday, the Athens observatory said, as Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis prepared to visit the area.

A preliminary inspection has shown around a thousand buildings were damaged in Monday’s quake, which struck at a depth of just 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).

The epicentre was near the agricultural town of Arkalochori, where a man was killed inside a church that collapsed and nearly a dozen other people were injured.

Authorities have put up tents to host hundreds of people whose homes are deemed unsafe to return to at present, and have also made dozens of hotel rooms available.

‘A very difficult night’

Iraklio resident and tourism small business owner Dimitris Marathianos said that “it was a very difficult night.”

“The situation is better here compared to Arkalochori in terms of damages but the aftershocks are strong and keep us awake all night. People spend the nights outside of their homes because they don’t feel safe,” Marathianos told The Greek Herald.

Mr Marathianos also expressed concerns that the quakes might affect the tourism industry.

“Most tourists are terrified. The hotels are busy and I hope this nightmare ends soon so we can keep working to make up for the lockdowns we went through and the reduced traffic we experienced this summer,” he said. 

Iraklio resident, Iraklis Zografakis

Another Iraklio resident and coffee shop owner Iraklis Zografakis said that the government mechanism was mobilised quickly and tents have been set up in the area for the families who lost their homes. 

“The earth shakes and we can’t relax here at Iraklio. Our children are safe because schools are closed but we are on high alert.”

Local residents Maria Liondou and Katerina Kalaitzaki say that “they hope the worse has passed.”

Message of support from the Cretans of Australia and New Zealand 

In a letter to their fellow Cretans who are going through difficult times Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand say they will support their home country. 

“The President Mr. Antonis Tsourdalakis and the Board of Directors of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand express their full support to the people of Crete for the recent earthquake that hit our island,” reads the letter.

“The Cretan Associations of Oceania and all the Cretans of Australia are on the side of the earthquake victims and will support our compatriots in any way requested. We pray to God to protect the inhabitants of the island, to keep them well and give them strength to face the current situation.

“We hope that there will be no further seismic vibrations and that the wounds left by the eclipse will be dealt with immediately by the state.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Māori-Greek artist’s tribute to ancestors lights up Manhattan billboard

Māori-Greek artist Jimmy James Kouratoras has made a striking return to New York, with his painting Hei Tiki – For the Love of Our Ancestors.

Extraordinary Australians wanted for nation’s highest award

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

European Parliament backs resolution to protect Christian minorities in Syria

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution by overwhelming majority calling for the protection of Christian minorities in Syria.

Konstantinos Argiros delivers emotional first-ever performance in Constantinople

One of Greece’s top pop stars, Konstantinos Argiros, performed in Turkey for the first time on July 10, delivering a sold-out concert.

Survivors pulled from Red Sea two days after Houthi strike on Greek cargo vessel

Four more survivors from the Greek-operated cargo ship Eternity C have been rescued from the Red Sea nearly 48 hours after the vessel sunk.

You May Also Like

How to make homemade Christmas ornaments from yiayia’s doilies

Christmas has arrived and people are starting to put on some Christmas carols as they decorate their beloved Christmas trees.

Prepare to be amazed when series four of ‘My Greek Odyssey’ hits TV screens this month

The team from My Greek Odyssey have announced that series four of this visual and historic feast will be served up on 7TWO, commencing Sunday, May 30 at 3pm.

Mural in the making: Coburg’s Kastorian tribute takes shape

The Kastoria Club in Coburg North welcomed Dean and Peter from Yitonia on Sunday, May 18, for a special community event.