Double earthquake of 5.8 and 4.3 Richter in Trofades – It became felt in Athens

Two powerful were noted in the Ionian Sea shortly after 9 a.m. Friday morning (29.3.2024) open to and to Elias. The first earthquake was 4.3 Richter and the second – by one minute – was 5.8 Richter. The epicenter is located near the Strofades off Messinia. According to the Geodynamic Institute, at 9:11 in the morning there was the first earthquake 4.3 Richter with a focal depth of 34 km while the epicenter was 17 km east of the Stroads. At 9:12 there was a second strongest earthquake of 5.8 Richter with a focal depth of 21.4 km and a epicenter of 14 km east of the Stroads. The vibration was particularly strong and felt in Athens. The President of OASP, Euthymios Lekkas, appeared on ERT television, who noted that: “We should not worry because the earthquake took place in a sea area away from residential areas. He became felt in many areas and we are dealing with a large earthquake.” He explained that “it makes no sense if it is a double or single earthquake but in what zone is its focal depth. It is from a horizontal slip fault that runs through the bottom of the Ionian Sea.” He noted that there are “some cracks in monasteries in Trofades. We need to monitor the process. We are watching it and we are ready” and stressed that: “We have no recorded earthquakes from this particular fault”. Finally, Euthymios Lekkas added that there is no issue of concern for the inhabitants, but it would be good not to approach ruined homes and not to dwell in houses that have static problems. It is worth noting that shortly after the strong vibration followed a 2.9 Richter aftershock.