Great
Earthquakes In Diverse Places
Earthquake shakes Greek hotspot Zakynthos
British tourists holidaying on the Greek island of Zakynthos have
been hit by an earthquake which shook the region on Tuesday
morning.
Zakynthos earthquake Quake-hit: The Greek island of Zykanthos
suffered an earthquake of preliminary magnitude 5 - but no one was
injured
The moderate quake, which struck the popular tourist hotspot -
also known as Zante - at around 10.13 local time (0713 GMT), was
reported to be of preliminary magnitude 5.
Local authorities said no injuries or damage had been reported.
The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the undersea quake had its
epicentre about 62 miles (100km) off the island's south-western
coast. The epicentre was about 217 miles (350km) west of Athens.
Greece is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and
Zakynthos lies in an area of frequent seismic activity. But severe
damage and injuries are rare.
Laganas, Greece Tourist haven: Laganas is a popular resort with
European tourists due to its nightclubs and bars
Zakynthos, which is the third largest of the Ionian islands, is
popular with British, German and Dutch tourists - especially
students and teenagers.
Its main attraction is the resort of Laganas, which is famous for
its bars, nightclubs and cheap alcohol. It is also a popular
destination for Club 18-30 holidays.
The island recently hit the headlines following the fatal stabbing
of teenager Robert Sebbage by a Greek taxi driver.
The 18-year-old former England mascot, who was on holiday with his
friends, was attacked by 21-year-old Stelios Morfis after what was
described as a 'massive overreaction' to a minor altercation.