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The end of January 2014 for Kefalonians was not only rainy and cool, but also rich in `shaking`.
Beautiful Kefalonia decided, perhaps, to roll over on the other flank and get comfortable. Thank God, it did it fairly smoothly, without sudden movements. However, some effects are felt.
As a result of the earthquake, the embankment and several houses in Lixouri were damaged, near the beach Myrtos the landslip destroyed some roads, about 10 people were slightly injured by the falling objects, some places did not have electricity, and water supply disrupted.
Faults caused by earthquakes on January 26, 2014
Collapse on the beach of Myrtos video , Photos
Destruction in Lixouri
At first glance, all seems catastrophically awful. But I remember last year on the island, when due to severe storms, sometimes we had no electricity and water, for example. But local services, not accustomed to relax, were (and I hope are) coping with these troubles very quickly to the delight of residents. We are in constant contact with friends and relatives living on the island - they claim that so far, at least, there is no special trouble. Those few who have damaged homes moved for a time to their relatives.
According to the USGS and EMSC, the maximum thrust amplitude was 6.1 on the Richter scale. There were about a hundred small following aftershocks. According to the statistics, such thrusts on the island are a very rare. During the last one (in 1953), when most of the buildings on the island were destroyed, the amplitude reached, for comparison, 7.2 points.
I think Kefalonians learned that terrible lesson very well – the houses constructed in accordance with the anti-seismic requirements today have not been affected actually. Islanders are accustomed to constant shocks - they can be felt by anyone who has lived on the island for about a month. Locals believe that such a mini- earthquake prevents severe shocks, allowing the land to "let off steam".
Slowly recovering after a powerful thrust, islanders are still on the lookout, because the threat of repeated concussions, according to seismologists, decreasing over the time has not not passed. Of course, everyone is tired, but optimistic: here, the danger of aftershocks will pass by and for many years it will be possible to relax not forgetting to rely on God and experience of the indigenous islanders, some of who still remember the events of 1953 very well while the others know the stories of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, some families from Argostoli and Lixouri are located on the hospitably harboured ships. The Greek Government, local authorities, and even the navy have their fingers on the pulse, helping and supporting the islanders, in case of need organizing the heated tents in the capital directing to the island qualified professionals ready to assist if necessary, allocating from the budget Euro 580 to each stricken family as an original grant.
As of today, in Lixouri there are about 600 houses that have been seriously damaged: mostly they are old buildings, which would not be rebuilt as decided but replaced with new ones built to meet the requirements for seismic resistance. Small bumps, according to Kefalonians are still occasionally felt, but all are calm, even pets do not react to them.
Specialists - both civil and military – check roads, bridges, and other important objects for further safe use.
With all our heart, we would like to wish Kefalonians that "steam" is always let off in small portions, thank God, saving the island and residents from bigger distractions.
