On January 8 2006, Sunday, 1.34pm in the sea along the Hellenic arc, between Crete and Kythira islands in southern Greece a strong earthquake occurred. It was felt strongly throughout Greece, from Crete to Kythira-from north to south. Not only was it felt in Greece, it was also felt from Italy to Croatia in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin and also far places like Jordan and Egypt. The earthquake was caused by inverse and mostly lateral movements of the African plate which moved north by an estimated 90cm to the Aegean Sea Plate and sub ducted underneath it. The magnitude of the earthquake was between 6.6 to 7 and the shaking was approximately 30 to 40 seconds. Facilities in the airport of the Island of Kythira were damaged. An estimated number of 50 old houses were also destroyed. The Village of Mitata had the most damages with buildings collapsing. In western Crete, 146 buildings were damaged including 9 schools, the old town hall of Chania and houses in the Venetian town center. Initially, armed forces and emergency services were put on high alert by the government. However, the damages were localized and not many people were injured so the level was reduced. An earthquake might happen anytime so to minimize damage from earthquakes, governments of more earthquake prone countries could perhaps build stronger buildings and more anti-earthquake houses. I myself can make sure plates, cups and glass objects are not placed too high. I can also put them in cabinets so that they do not drop out so easily. Making sure there are no clusters in my house can also help to reduce damage from earthquakes.
