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Turkey and Greece hit by strong earthquake: two dead and 200 injured – latest Turkey and Greece hit by strong earthquake: two dead and 200 injured – latest
(35 minutes later)
10.57am BST
10:57
Helena Smith
Fraport, the German-led consortium managing 14 regional airports in Greece, says Kos airport is operating as normal and “only with slight delays.”
The consortium said both take-off and landing runways and all airport buildings had been “extensively checked” for possible damage after the earthquake. Slight delays in scheduled local and international flights were expected to be ironed out during the course of the day, it said.
Updated
at 10.59am BST
10.36am BST10.36am BST
10:3610:36
Helena SmithHelena Smith
Professor Ethymios Lekkas, who heads Greece’s antiseismic protection organisation, has warned that Kos is likely to experience aftershocks “for up to two weeks.”Professor Ethymios Lekkas, who heads Greece’s antiseismic protection organisation, has warned that Kos is likely to experience aftershocks “for up to two weeks.”
But, speaking to the Guardian, the geology professor insisted the activity would be good because the tremors would gradually reduce tectonic tension.But, speaking to the Guardian, the geology professor insisted the activity would be good because the tremors would gradually reduce tectonic tension.
They will be well under five on the scale and won’t cause a problem. I am not worried. Buildings on the island have shown great resilience because they have been constructed to strict anti-seismic criteria.They will be well under five on the scale and won’t cause a problem. I am not worried. Buildings on the island have shown great resilience because they have been constructed to strict anti-seismic criteria.
The professor also clarified that the tidal wave caused by the quake and witnessed in Kos port was much smaller than originally reported. “It did not exceed 70cm and was very small,” he said.The professor also clarified that the tidal wave caused by the quake and witnessed in Kos port was much smaller than originally reported. “It did not exceed 70cm and was very small,” he said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.39am BSTat 10.39am BST
10.18am BST10.18am BST
10:1810:18
According to the Associated Press, Turkey’s foreign ministry has now also confirmed that one of the two people who died on Kos was Turkish. That follows similar information emanating from Greek authorities.According to the Associated Press, Turkey’s foreign ministry has now also confirmed that one of the two people who died on Kos was Turkish. That follows similar information emanating from Greek authorities.
The ministry said on Friday that a second Turkish national was in a serious condition and was being evacuated to Athens for treatment. It did not identify the victim, saying authorities were still trying to reach his or her family members.The ministry said on Friday that a second Turkish national was in a serious condition and was being evacuated to Athens for treatment. It did not identify the victim, saying authorities were still trying to reach his or her family members.
Turkish authorities have sent a 250-person vessel from the Turkish resort of Bodrum to Kos to start evacuating some 200 Turkish tourists stranded on the island, the ministry also said. It said Greek authorities had granted the ship special permission to approach a pier at Kos where the port and customs building was damaged.Turkish authorities have sent a 250-person vessel from the Turkish resort of Bodrum to Kos to start evacuating some 200 Turkish tourists stranded on the island, the ministry also said. It said Greek authorities had granted the ship special permission to approach a pier at Kos where the port and customs building was damaged.
10.06am BST10.06am BST
10:0610:06
Helena SmithHelena Smith
Greek authorities have now listed the five seriously injured people who were flown to Crete by emergency services earlier today as: two Swedes; one Norwegian; a Greek man and a Greek woman. One is reported to have suffered extensive leg injuries. All are thought to have been in the bar, whose roof collapsed, when the earthquake struck.Greek authorities have now listed the five seriously injured people who were flown to Crete by emergency services earlier today as: two Swedes; one Norwegian; a Greek man and a Greek woman. One is reported to have suffered extensive leg injuries. All are thought to have been in the bar, whose roof collapsed, when the earthquake struck.
Between 2am and 4am, about 95 people were either admitted, or admitted themselves, to the local hospital on Kos. First aid was administered to about 85 more, who then left.Between 2am and 4am, about 95 people were either admitted, or admitted themselves, to the local hospital on Kos. First aid was administered to about 85 more, who then left.
9.45am BST9.45am BST
09:4509:45
Helena SmithHelena Smith
The quake, the second exceeding 6.0 Richter to hit Greece’s coastal region in recent weeks, has produced more than 100 aftershocks, seismologists say. A second tremor measuring 5.1 Richter struck 26 km south of Leros, after the initial earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale hit Kos at 1:53am. Three further tremors measuring 4.6, 4.5 and 4.7 followed. The quake, the second exceeding magnitude 6 to hit Greece’s coastal region in recent weeks, has produced more than 100 aftershocks, seismologists say. A second tremor measuring 5.1 struck 26 km south of Leros, after the initial earthquake measuring 6.5 hit Kos at 1.53am. Three further tremors measuring 4.6, 4.5 and 4.7 followed.
The quake is also believed to have caused a small tsunami in the port of Kos which subsequently suffered extensive damage.The quake is also believed to have caused a small tsunami in the port of Kos which subsequently suffered extensive damage.
A similar phenomenon occurred on Lesvos, in the port of Plomari, when an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale occurred in June. In sharp contrast to Kos, the tremor caused devastating damage with hundreds left homeless, prompting Pope Francis earlier this month to make a donation of 50,000 euro to boost relief efforts. The tidal wave was described as being about 70 cm high. A similar phenomenon occurred on Lesbos, in the port of Plomari, when an earthquake measuring 6.2 occurred in June. In sharp contrast to Kos, the tremor caused devastating damage with hundreds left homeless, prompting Pope Francis earlier this month to make a donation of €50,000 to boost relief efforts.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.27am BST at 11.06am BST
9.32am BST9.32am BST
09:3209:32
Tourists and residents in Bodrum spent the night outside on beach loungers or in cars. Boat captain Metin Kestaneci, 40, told the Dogan news agency that he was asleep on his vessel when the quake hit.Tourists and residents in Bodrum spent the night outside on beach loungers or in cars. Boat captain Metin Kestaneci, 40, told the Dogan news agency that he was asleep on his vessel when the quake hit.
There was first a noise and then a roar. Before I could ask ‘what’s happening?’ my boat was dragged toward the shore. We found ourselves on the shore.There was first a noise and then a roar. Before I could ask ‘what’s happening?’ my boat was dragged toward the shore. We found ourselves on the shore.
9.20am BST9.20am BST
09:2009:20
A London-based student, Georgie Jamieson, who was holidaying in Kos with her family, has described being caught up in the chaos. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:A London-based student, Georgie Jamieson, who was holidaying in Kos with her family, has described being caught up in the chaos. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
We’re all a bit shaken up. We had been having a lovely evening down in the hotel and got up to our room an hour before [the quake] struck.We’re all a bit shaken up. We had been having a lovely evening down in the hotel and got up to our room an hour before [the quake] struck.
We were literally dozing off when the first tremor struck. From then on it was a bit of a surreal nightmarish experience.We were literally dozing off when the first tremor struck. From then on it was a bit of a surreal nightmarish experience.
I was semi-conscious. At first I panicked and I was a bit fear-struck, but then slowly trying to process what was happening.I was semi-conscious. At first I panicked and I was a bit fear-struck, but then slowly trying to process what was happening.
Everything was shaking really vigorously. I’ve never felt anything like it before. Almost as if the ground was going to cave in.Everything was shaking really vigorously. I’ve never felt anything like it before. Almost as if the ground was going to cave in.
Jamieson said she went to check on her sisters and they were initially unsure whether it was safer to leave the hotel room or stay.Jamieson said she went to check on her sisters and they were initially unsure whether it was safer to leave the hotel room or stay.
We ran to the door to check there was nothing outside that had been visibly damaged. When we saw that that was all clear, we were coming to terms with the fact that we were experiencing an earthquake and we grabbed our stuff and made a run away from the building.We ran to the door to check there was nothing outside that had been visibly damaged. When we saw that that was all clear, we were coming to terms with the fact that we were experiencing an earthquake and we grabbed our stuff and made a run away from the building.
8.48am BST8.48am BST
08:4808:48
Helena SmithHelena Smith
The Greek armed forces have been put on alert with a 15-strong team from the country’s specialist search and rescue units, flying into Kos in the early hours. An 11-strong government delegation also arrived on the island a little after 4am. It includes the citizens protection minister, Nikos Toskas, and the transport minister, Christos Spirtzis.The Greek armed forces have been put on alert with a 15-strong team from the country’s specialist search and rescue units, flying into Kos in the early hours. An 11-strong government delegation also arrived on the island a little after 4am. It includes the citizens protection minister, Nikos Toskas, and the transport minister, Christos Spirtzis.
The search and rescue units are expected to wade through debris – along with officials from the local fire services – lest there are other victims throughout the day.The search and rescue units are expected to wade through debris – along with officials from the local fire services – lest there are other victims throughout the day.
“Slowly, slowly life is returning to normality,” the government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos told a local radio station, adding that, in contrast to a similar 6.2 earthquake that hit the island of Lesbos last month, the damage on Kos was limited.“Slowly, slowly life is returning to normality,” the government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos told a local radio station, adding that, in contrast to a similar 6.2 earthquake that hit the island of Lesbos last month, the damage on Kos was limited.
Professor Ethymios Lekkas, who is Greece’s top geology professor and heads the anti-seismic protection organisation, says Kos should expect to be rattled by aftershocks for the foreseeable future.Professor Ethymios Lekkas, who is Greece’s top geology professor and heads the anti-seismic protection organisation, says Kos should expect to be rattled by aftershocks for the foreseeable future.
“It was a big earthquake … aftershocks are happening and will happen,” he told the news portal newsit.gr, describing the tremors as “totally natural” and necessary.“It was a big earthquake … aftershocks are happening and will happen,” he told the news portal newsit.gr, describing the tremors as “totally natural” and necessary.
For an earthquake of such magnitude, the damage had been very limited, he said:For an earthquake of such magnitude, the damage had been very limited, he said:
With the exception of our two fellow human beings who died, the effects have been very small. We have had a very big earthquake … and only the port and two very big buildings have really been affected by it, which is very important and shows the level of construction.With the exception of our two fellow human beings who died, the effects have been very small. We have had a very big earthquake … and only the port and two very big buildings have really been affected by it, which is very important and shows the level of construction.
Newly built hotel resorts had survived intact - testimony to their anti-seismic qualifications, he said.Newly built hotel resorts had survived intact - testimony to their anti-seismic qualifications, he said.
Yiannis Glynou, who leads the technical chamber in the Dodecanese islands and is in Kos surveying the impact on buildings, told the country’s news agency:Yiannis Glynou, who leads the technical chamber in the Dodecanese islands and is in Kos surveying the impact on buildings, told the country’s news agency:
The damage is limited to old stone buildings. New buildings on the island, including numerous hotel units, are showing almost none or no problems.The damage is limited to old stone buildings. New buildings on the island, including numerous hotel units, are showing almost none or no problems.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.02am BSTat 9.02am BST
8.07am BST8.07am BST
08:0708:07
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
A 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Aegean Sea at 1.31am local time on Friday (22.31 GMT Thursday), rocking the nearby Turkish resort of Bodrum and the Greek island of Kos.A 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Aegean Sea at 1.31am local time on Friday (22.31 GMT Thursday), rocking the nearby Turkish resort of Bodrum and the Greek island of Kos.
Worst hit was Kos, where two people – male tourists from Turkey and Sweden – were killed when a wall collapsed on to a bar in the old town area.Worst hit was Kos, where two people – male tourists from Turkey and Sweden – were killed when a wall collapsed on to a bar in the old town area.
More than 120 people on the island were injured, with a number airlifted to larger hospitals in Rhodes and Crete. At least three are said by officials to be seriously injured.More than 120 people on the island were injured, with a number airlifted to larger hospitals in Rhodes and Crete. At least three are said by officials to be seriously injured.
No deaths have been reported in Turkey, but around 70 people are believed to have been treated for injuries in Bodrum. Some were treated in the garden of the city’s state hospital after the building was reportedly evacuated over fears of cracks in the walls.No deaths have been reported in Turkey, but around 70 people are believed to have been treated for injuries in Bodrum. Some were treated in the garden of the city’s state hospital after the building was reportedly evacuated over fears of cracks in the walls.
A number of aftershocks have continued to shake the affected region, with several registering a magnitude of over 4.0.A number of aftershocks have continued to shake the affected region, with several registering a magnitude of over 4.0.
Residents and tourists in Greek and Turkish resorts fled their homes and hotels, with many spending the night sleeping on the beach or on pool sun loungers.Residents and tourists in Greek and Turkish resorts fled their homes and hotels, with many spending the night sleeping on the beach or on pool sun loungers.
With this weekend set to be among the busiest of the tourist season, holiday companies including Thomas Cook said they were checking with authorities about how to proceed. Some flights to Kos have been cancelled.With this weekend set to be among the busiest of the tourist season, holiday companies including Thomas Cook said they were checking with authorities about how to proceed. Some flights to Kos have been cancelled.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which monitors earthquakes, said the strong quake was very shallow – only 10km (6.2 miles) below the seabed – and located off the south-western coastal city of Marmaris in the Mugla province of Turkey. The epicentre was just 10km south of the Turkish resort of Bodrum and 16km east-north-east of Kos.The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which monitors earthquakes, said the strong quake was very shallow – only 10km (6.2 miles) below the seabed – and located off the south-western coastal city of Marmaris in the Mugla province of Turkey. The epicentre was just 10km south of the Turkish resort of Bodrum and 16km east-north-east of Kos.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.26am BSTat 8.26am BST
7.54am BST7.54am BST
07:5407:54
The quake struck at 1.30am local time in the early hours of Friday (22.30 GMT Thursday). By daylight, the damage in both the Greek and Turkish resorts affected is clearer to gauge.The quake struck at 1.30am local time in the early hours of Friday (22.30 GMT Thursday). By daylight, the damage in both the Greek and Turkish resorts affected is clearer to gauge.
BodrumBodrum
KosKos
7.42am BST7.42am BST
07:4207:42
Kos fire service rescue chief Stephanos Kolokouris has confirmed to Greek state television that the two people killed on the island were from Turkey and Sweden.Kos fire service rescue chief Stephanos Kolokouris has confirmed to Greek state television that the two people killed on the island were from Turkey and Sweden.
Both were men. They have not been named.Both were men. They have not been named.
Kolokouris said both were tourists and died after a wall collapsed on to a bar in Kos old town close to the island’s main port. One of five people seriously injured was Greek, he said, but he did not give details of the other four.Kolokouris said both were tourists and died after a wall collapsed on to a bar in Kos old town close to the island’s main port. One of five people seriously injured was Greek, he said, but he did not give details of the other four.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.56am BSTat 7.56am BST
7.35am BST7.35am BST
07:3507:35
Helena SmithHelena Smith
Greek media are reporting that five people, three of whom have been “seriously injured”, have been flown by Chinook helicopter from Kos to Crete for treatment. Emergency services have rushed them to the island’s main University general hospital in Heraklion.Greek media are reporting that five people, three of whom have been “seriously injured”, have been flown by Chinook helicopter from Kos to Crete for treatment. Emergency services have rushed them to the island’s main University general hospital in Heraklion.
One of the injured is said to have suffered what are being described as “very severe injuries” to both legs.One of the injured is said to have suffered what are being described as “very severe injuries” to both legs.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.05am BSTat 8.05am BST
7.20am BST7.20am BST
07:2007:20
Turkey’s disaster and emergency management presidency (AFAD) said it had observed a large number of aftershocks in Turkey and Greece following the 6.7 magnitude mainshock, several of them registering 4.0 magnitude or above.Turkey’s disaster and emergency management presidency (AFAD) said it had observed a large number of aftershocks in Turkey and Greece following the 6.7 magnitude mainshock, several of them registering 4.0 magnitude or above.
Will Fell, a British tourist in Kos, told the Guardian:Will Fell, a British tourist in Kos, told the Guardian:
It’s not fully stopped: there’s been lots of small aftershocks. Nothing as intense as the first mainshock that we had.It’s not fully stopped: there’s been lots of small aftershocks. Nothing as intense as the first mainshock that we had.
7.14am BST7.14am BST
07:1407:14
Two killed from Turkey and SwedenTwo killed from Turkey and Sweden
Greek authorities have said that the two people killed in the earthquake in Kos were from Turkey and Sweden. They have not been identified.Greek authorities have said that the two people killed in the earthquake in Kos were from Turkey and Sweden. They have not been identified.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.30am BSTat 8.30am BST
7.04am BST7.04am BST
07:0407:04
Casualties latestCasualties latest
The mayor of Kos has confirmed that two people have been killed on the Greek island. Giorgos Kyritsis said the two – whose names and nationalities have not been revealed – were foreigners. They are believed to have died when a roof collapsed in a bar in the tourist resort.The mayor of Kos has confirmed that two people have been killed on the Greek island. Giorgos Kyritsis said the two – whose names and nationalities have not been revealed – were foreigners. They are believed to have died when a roof collapsed in a bar in the tourist resort.
More than 120 people on Kos have been injured, officials said. Some have been airlifted to the larger nearby island of Rhodes for treatment.More than 120 people on Kos have been injured, officials said. Some have been airlifted to the larger nearby island of Rhodes for treatment.
In Bodrum, at least 70 people have been treated for injuries sustained in the quake and its aftershocks.In Bodrum, at least 70 people have been treated for injuries sustained in the quake and its aftershocks.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.06am BSTat 7.06am BST
6.57am BST6.57am BST
06:5706:57
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which monitors earthquakes, said the strong quake was very shallow – only 10km (6.2 miles) below the seabed – and located off the south-western coastal city of Marmaris in the Mugla province of Turkey.The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which monitors earthquakes, said the strong quake was very shallow – only 10km (6.2 miles) below the seabed – and located off the south-western coastal city of Marmaris in the Mugla province of Turkey.
The epicentre was just 10km south of the Turkish resort of Bodrum and 16km east/north-east of Kos, which has been the area worst hit.The epicentre was just 10km south of the Turkish resort of Bodrum and 16km east/north-east of Kos, which has been the area worst hit.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.07am BSTat 8.07am BST
6.39am BST6.39am BST
06:3906:39
The quake was also felt on the Greek island of Rhodes.The quake was also felt on the Greek island of Rhodes.
“We were very surprised. We were scared and we immediately went outside,” Teddy Dijoux, who was holidaying with his family at a Rhodes resort, told news agency AFP.“We were very surprised. We were scared and we immediately went outside,” Teddy Dijoux, who was holidaying with his family at a Rhodes resort, told news agency AFP.
“That lasted a long time. I quickly gathered up my children to leave the hotel,” said holidaymaker Sylvie Jannot.“That lasted a long time. I quickly gathered up my children to leave the hotel,” said holidaymaker Sylvie Jannot.
Just experienced 30 second earthquake in #Rhodes I hope there are no injuries. Building shook furiously. But all ok.Just experienced 30 second earthquake in #Rhodes I hope there are no injuries. Building shook furiously. But all ok.
6.15am BST6.15am BST
06:1506:15
The 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey’s Aegean coast, but worst hit was the Greek island of Kos, where both confirmed deaths occurred, along with most of the injuries reported. So far, officials say more than 120 people have been wounded.The 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey’s Aegean coast, but worst hit was the Greek island of Kos, where both confirmed deaths occurred, along with most of the injuries reported. So far, officials say more than 120 people have been wounded.
Associated Press reports:Associated Press reports:
Fallen bricks and other debris coated many streets, and the island’s seafront road and parts of the main town were flooded.Fallen bricks and other debris coated many streets, and the island’s seafront road and parts of the main town were flooded.
Giorgos Hadjimarkos, the regional governor, said four or five of the injuries were “worrying” and damaged buildings were being inspected, but the “main priority at the moment is saving lives”.Giorgos Hadjimarkos, the regional governor, said four or five of the injuries were “worrying” and damaged buildings were being inspected, but the “main priority at the moment is saving lives”.
The Kos hospital said at least 20 of the injured had broken bones.The Kos hospital said at least 20 of the injured had broken bones.
A wall collapsed on a building dating to the 1930s and crushed people who were at the bar in the building’s lower level, according to Kos mayor Giorgos Kyritsis.A wall collapsed on a building dating to the 1930s and crushed people who were at the bar in the building’s lower level, according to Kos mayor Giorgos Kyritsis.
“There are not many old buildings left on Kos. Nearly all the structures on the island have been built under the new codes to withstand earthquakes,” the mayor said.“There are not many old buildings left on Kos. Nearly all the structures on the island have been built under the new codes to withstand earthquakes,” the mayor said.
Kos’s old town area, full of bars and other nighttime entertainment, was littered with broken stone in the streets. Hotels had shattered glass and other damage, leaving hundreds of tourists to spend the rest of the night outdoors, trying to sleep on beach loungers with blankets provided by staff.Kos’s old town area, full of bars and other nighttime entertainment, was littered with broken stone in the streets. Hotels had shattered glass and other damage, leaving hundreds of tourists to spend the rest of the night outdoors, trying to sleep on beach loungers with blankets provided by staff.
6.01am BST6.01am BST
06:0106:01
Greece-Turkey earthquake: summaryGreece-Turkey earthquake: summary
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.7 has killed at least two people on the island of Kos and injured 200 in Greek and Turkish coastal towns.A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.7 has killed at least two people on the island of Kos and injured 200 in Greek and Turkish coastal towns.
The quake struck near major tourist destinations around the Aegean sea in the early hours of Friday, Turkish and Greek officials said. Around 200 people have been injured, officials said, with at least 120 on Kos and 70 in Turkey.The quake struck near major tourist destinations around the Aegean sea in the early hours of Friday, Turkish and Greek officials said. Around 200 people have been injured, officials said, with at least 120 on Kos and 70 in Turkey.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which monitors earthquakes, said it was a very shallow quake – only 10km (6.2 miles) below the seabed – off the southwestern coastal city of Marmaris in the Mugla province. The epicentre was just 10km south of the Turkish resort of Bodrum and 16km east-northeast of Kos.The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which monitors earthquakes, said it was a very shallow quake – only 10km (6.2 miles) below the seabed – off the southwestern coastal city of Marmaris in the Mugla province. The epicentre was just 10km south of the Turkish resort of Bodrum and 16km east-northeast of Kos.
The Turkish towns of Bodrum and Datca, and Kos in the Dodecanese Islands archipelago are all major tourist destinations.The Turkish towns of Bodrum and Datca, and Kos in the Dodecanese Islands archipelago are all major tourist destinations.
George Kyritsis, the mayor of Kos, told Reuters that at least two people were killed in the Greek island and several were injured by the quake. “We have two dead and some people injured so far,” Kyritsis said.George Kyritsis, the mayor of Kos, told Reuters that at least two people were killed in the Greek island and several were injured by the quake. “We have two dead and some people injured so far,” Kyritsis said.
He later added that the two dead were foreigners.He later added that the two dead were foreigners.
Read the full report:Read the full report: