September 10, 1953…
The catastrophic double earthquake in the province of Paphos, caused incredible panic throughout Cyprus. 40 people lost their lives, 100 were injured and 4000 were left homeless.
"158 villages and towns were affected. Most of the damage was caused by landslides and surface cracks. Within seconds, 1,600 homes were destroyed and another 10,000 homes and public buildings were badly damaged. "Five villages (Stroumbi, Kidasi, Lapithiou, Axylou, Fasoula) were reduced to rubble and another 105 had less damage," said the Geological Survey. "When the earthquake happened, many farmers were in their fields and that was the reason why we did not have more losses," say locals.
"The earthquakes caused significant damage in Limassol where liquefaction phenomena were observed. There was also a small tsunami off the coast of Paphos, "said the Geological Survey. The quakes affected Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Kastelorizo, Rhodes and Turkey. 26 aftershocks followed for about a year.
Financial Aid
Apart from Greece, Turkey also offered financial aid while the other provinces of Cyprus sent for months to the victims in addition to money, clothes and food.
The earthquake that again caused hundreds of damages in Paphos…
It was on May 3, 1222. It was one of the strongest earthquakes in the historical records which also caused a tsunami. The quake and tsunami caused extensive damage in Paphos and Limassol. The fortress of Paphos was destroyed and the port was left without water.
The worst earthquake with the most dead…
It is recorded on December 10, 1735 and was near Famagusta. 200 people lost their lives.
The last major earthquake…
It was noted on 9/10/1996. "A very strong earthquake in the southwestern part of Cyprus caused panic among the residents of Paphos and Limassol, as well as tenants of apartment buildings in Nicosia, Larnaca and Paralimni," the Geological Survey said. Two people died of secondary causes and 20 were slightly injured. Limited damage was caused, mainly to Paphos and Limassol. The magnitude of the earthquake was 6,5 on the Richter scale.
The video that follows is about the catastrophic double earthquake in the province of Paphos in 1953.