4.9 Richter earthquake in Psachna: What seismologists estimate about the fault – Continuous aftershocks

A strong earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale occurred at 14:24 with an epicenter 5 km east of Psachni in Evia, disturbing the residents of both Evia and Attica. The earthquake was shallow as the focal weight is estimated at 13.3 kilometers.

This is a fault that is known to seismologists, it is not related to the fault in Nea Styra that produced 4.2 Richter on November 29, however they warn that it can produce a larger earthquake, even 6 Richter. So far, however, it cannot be assessed by seismologists whether the 4.9 Richter was the main earthquake or not.

Papazachos: The fault can also give 6 Richter

“Caution is needed, but not a particular panic,” the Professor of Seismology of the AUTH, Kostas Papazachos, told the Athens Agency. He emphasized that “it is a well-known area and there is the well-known fault of Psachna. Theoretically, this fault has the potential to produce an earthquake even 6 on the Richter scale but so far it hasn’t.

On the contrary, until now this fault has moved differently, as for example in 2008 where there were micro-earthquakes for about a year”.

Mr. Papazachos advised the residents “to be careful, to follow the instructions and there is no need for any particular panic”.

Papadopoulos: The region has experienced a larger earthquake

Speaking to SKAI, Professor Gerasimos Papadopoulos noted a new focus but not unknown to seismologists as it had caused an earthquake in the past.

“The earthquake was strongly felt in Evia and Attica. The epicenter is located 9 km east of Psachna Evia. It is an outbreak that is not related to the one that was activated in the area of ​​southern Evia last month in Nea Styra,” said the professor characteristically and pointed out that the same area it had been activated in 2003 giving 5.3 Richter.

“The size is important in a new focus and near a large urban center like Chalkida” said the professor who suggested the convergence of a seismic risk assessment committee.

The Seismic Risk Assessment Committee is convened

Following the urging of Mr. Papadopoulos, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection from the Organization for Earthquake Planning and Protection (OASP) requested the convening of the Seismic Risk Assessment Committee following the order of the minister, Christos Stylianidis, to meet immediately, after today’s earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale, centered five kilometers east of Psachni Evia. The Seismic Risk Assessment Committee is going to meet under the chairmanship of the OASP.

Also, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has been in contact with the mayor of Chalkida, so that a coordination meeting can take place there, in which the minister, Christos Stylianidis and the general secretary of Civil Protection, Vasilios Papageorgiou, will participate via teleconference as well as OASP officials. in order to examine the data so far and the situation in the wider area after the earthquake. All the forces of the Civil Protection, EMAK and the Fire Brigade are already on alert, while so far there have been no reports of injuries or serious material damage.

It is noted that so far there are only reports of damage (breakage) to a few windows, while an announcement is expected to be issued by the Fire Department shortly.

Continuous aftershocks

After 4.9 Richter, the aftershocks are continuous. So far there have been eight aftershocks with the largest measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale. Scientists are monitoring the ongoing phenomenon.

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