Hundreds of people spent the night in their cars after an earthquake struck with a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale the area of Florina in western Macedonia. According to the Greek Geodynamic Institute, the earthquake occurred at 11.43 Sunday night and its epicenter was 2 km from the town of Florina and its focal depth at 14 km.
No injuries were reported, but minor damages in houses and businesses were recorded.
A local resident published footage from the security camera in his home, noting that the boiler shaken like crazy has a weight of 300 kg.
According to local media EchoFlorinas, many people rushed to the streets in panic when the earthquake occurred.
Two people were taken to hospital, however, for psychological reasons, deputy regional governor Sotiris Vosdou told media n Monday morning. The local governor added that the majority of locals had returned to their homes, shops like bakeries and pharmacies operate as usual and that authorities remain on alert.
#σεισμος Στα πιο κεντρικά σημεία της πόλης #Φλωρινα pic.twitter.com/Bg5Tk4gcFa
— Ο βασιλιάς Τησκόνης (@__Moxa__) January 9, 2022
There have been no building collapses, Vosdou clarified, stressing that there have been cracks in businesses and houses.
The tremor was intense and of long duration and was felt across northern Greece as well as in neighboring countries.
Map of felt reports received so far following the #earthquake M3.6 in Greece 45 min ago pic.twitter.com/7ns16PLaSs
— EMSC (@LastQuake) January 10, 2022
Dozens of aftershocks have occurred so far.
“It is going well. We will wait to see how it will develop in one or two more days,” Lekkas said noting that there have been no major earthquakes in the area in the past.
Kindergarten as well as primary and secondary schools in the area remain closed on Monday and Tuesday for precautionary reasons.
