Page last updated at 17:15 GMT, Sunday, 8 June 2008 18:15 UK

Two killed by large Greek quake


At least two people have been killed as an earthquake rocked southern Greece, collapsing buildings and causing panic.

Some 20 injuries were reported from falling roofs as the tremor - which had an epicentre 200km (124 miles) west of Athens - struck near Patras in the Peloponnese region.

The quake had a magnitude of 6.5, the Athens Geodynamic Institute said, and could be felt in the capital.

Greece is one of Europe's most earthquake-prone countries.

A 60-year-old man died when his home's roof collapsed on him, and an 80-year-old woman died of a heart attack after the quake shook her village, authorities said.

One terrifying minute

Experts have warned that aftershocks are likely as the quake's epicentre was close to the ground's surface.


Greek TV shows earthquake aftermath

"The earthquake was terrifying," Patras resident Anna Tsokana told the BBC.

"The duration was about 60 seconds... Buildings have fallen or been damaged and roads have been destroyed."

The earthquake was one of the most powerful to hit Greece in modern times, says the BBC's Malcolm Brabant in Athens.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1.

Greece hit by strong earthquake
06 Jan 08 |  Europe

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