Separation and fall of stones occurred in the bay “Navagio” in Zakynthos after earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale in the Ionian Sea.

The stones fell at the end of Navagio Bay, far from where the ships are moored, without any injury or other problems. However, as a precautionary measure, the beach was closed and the approach of ships was prohibited.

In a conversation with “K” the president of the consortium of tourist boats “Porto Vromi – Maries” Dionisis Giatras said that the beach was closed after the earthquake. According to him, the port administration has given an order not to approach the boats and not to disembark visitors on the shore. The Coast Guard stressed that the beach would remain closed as a precaution.

At the end of the bay “Navagio” falling stones

OASP President Efthymios Lekkas told SKAI that the rocks fell on the edge of Navagio Bay, away from where ships dock, without causing any problems. Earlier, immediately after the earthquake and talking to “K”, Mr. Lekkas emphasized that “vigilance is required from citizens and municipal authorities, and I once again draw attention to the protection and security measures that need to be reviewed and carefully monitored at the famous Navagio beach in Zakynthos. This is a beach that is potentially very dangerous and vulnerable to landslides.”

As Mr. Lekkas told K, “this is an earthquake in the context of the current seismicity, that is, an earthquake that is common for the region.” “Its epicenter is quite far from residential areas. From what it seems, this is the main earthquake, but we need to wait a few more hours to be sure,” he added and added: “This is a known fault that caused an earthquake between Kefalonia and Zakynthos. It was superficial and was especially noticeable on both islands.”

Scheduled meeting at the Ministry of Tourism – repeated recommendation for access to permitted areas only

The Ministry of Tourism said in a statement that a scheduled meeting of the Committee for Tourism Use and Protection of the Zakynthos Wreck took place this morning, with the participation of OASP Director Efthymios Lekkas and the Mayor of Zakynthos. Nikitas Aretakis, in order to update the security measures at the shipwreck beach.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the meeting decided to reiterate the recommendation to strictly control the access of visitors only to the permitted areas defined in the relevant scientific study, while respecting the maximum number of visitors, so that swimmers stay at a safe distance from the rocks.

“Decisions by the competent authorities and civil protection are awaited to update measures aimed at the safety of visitors,” the Ministry of Tourism added in a statement.

“This morning, the Ministry of Tourism hosted a scheduled meeting of the Committee for Tourism Use and Protection of the Zakynthos Sunken Ship with the participation of OASP Director Efthymios Lekkas and Zakynthos Mayor Nikitas Aretakis. to update the security measures at Shipwreck Beach.

The meeting decided to reiterate the recommendation to strictly control the access of visitors only to the permitted areas defined in the relevant scientific study, while respecting the maximum number of visitors, so that bathers are at a safe distance from the slopes (rocks).

The decisions of the competent authorities and civil protection are awaited to update the measures aimed at the safety of visitors.”

Earthquake 5.4 Richter between Kefalonia and Zakynthos

An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale occurred in the water area between Zakynthos as well as Kefalonia. So far there are no reports of damage.

The epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred at 10:36 a.m. Thursday, is located 59 kilometers southwest of Lixouri, 332 kilometers west of Athens. The depth of the outbreak is estimated at 8.8 kilometers. According to the Euro-Mediterranean Center (EMSC), the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale.

According to the testimony provided by the EMSC, the tremors continued for a long time and were especially felt in Kefalonia and Zakynthos, as well as in Lefkada, Patrasi and Agrinio. In the same area, seven smaller aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 2.5 to 3.7 on the Richter scale, followed.

#Earthquake 70 km west of #Zakynthos (#Greece) 5 minutes ago (10:36:23 local time). Colored dots represent local shaking and damage reported by eyewitnesses. Share your experience:
https://t.co/LBaVNedgF9
https://t.co/gygf5IJt6p pic.twitter.com/7p3w1bnrjY

— EMSC (@LastQuake) September 8, 2022

Mayor of Lixouri: the first image shows no damage

Speaking to K, Lixouri Mayor Giorgos Katsivelis said the quake was particularly visible, but stressed that the first picture showed no damage. According to him, the crews have begun checks, but activities on the island continue as usual.

“It was a very noticeable earthquake, and especially for us in Lixouri, who are close to the epicenter, we understood this well. For a while, it brought back memories of 2014, but, fortunately, in the first picture you can see that there is no damage. At the moment, the crews are on their way and have begun to check, but activities on the island continue as usual, ”he said characteristically.