Expecting a strong earthquake centered on Liopetri

CEB11 4 News, Nea Famagusta
A strong earthquake will occur at some point in the area where the earthquake of "Liopetri" occurred the day before yesterday and this is not a risk but a consequence of the creation of a seismic gap since 1941, which will be filled. This was reported by a well-known seismologist who was called to comment on the earthquake in the town of Chrysochous and Liopetri on the same day.

CEB11 34 News, Nea Famagusta

Asked to explain what a seismic vacuum means in the area, the seismologist explained that the previous earthquake, which was also characterized as catastrophic, had a magnitude of 5,9 on the Richter scale and occurred on January 20, 1941. Then the earthquake was felt throughout the East. Mediterranean. It caused significant damage in the province of Famagusta (injuries and house collapses in Paralimni and Famagusta), damage in Nicosia and Larnaca and, finally, created a small tsunami that hit the coast of Israel.

The same seismologist reported that in addition to the two earthquakes (4,8 Richter in Polis Chrysochous and 4,1 in Liopetri) that were recorded the day before yesterday, there was a smaller earthquake in the Gulf of Morphou. Seven days ago, a small earthquake shook the area. At the same time, strong earthquakes (5-5,5 on the Richter scale) have occurred in the Gibraltar region in recent days, which shows that the entire seismic plate of Africa is moving in collision with the seismic plate of Eurasia. Earthquakes have occurred in recent days in Crete as well. The above activity (in the mentioned areas) can be included in the same seismic sequence, said the seismologist.

It is noted that the borders of the African Plaka start from Gibraltar and extend to Etna, Vesuvius, Santorini, Cyprus and the Himalayas.

The seismologist pointed out that although apparently the three earthquakes in Cyprus (Poleos Chrysochous, Liopetri and Morfos gulf) are not connected, there are some common features. Specifically, in addition to the fact that they occurred in the same 24 hours, they were identified at a focal depth of about 50 km and fall into the same tectonic line.

He also mentioned that the imaginary line (in which the three earthquakes occurred) is related to the sinking of the Ocean Plate, part of which is Troodos, while the Pentadactylus "sits" on the Ocean Plate. As he explained, part of the Troodos is still emerging from the sea while another part of it is sinking into it. The sinking of the oceanic plate takes place mainly in the Gulf of Antalya and the same happens on the side of Petadaktylos and Paralimni. Finally, he pointed out that the seismic energy in the area of ​​Paphos was relieved to some extent by the earthquake of 1953 and others later, while the same happened in Nicosia with the earthquake of 1999 and others that preceded and followed this year. However, the occurrence of the latest earthquakes in the region of Cyprus, since they did not cause damage is considered positive, in the sense that it contributes to the relief of seismic energy accumulated over the years.

CEB1 12 News, Nea Famagusta

Historical earthquakes in Cyprus

Cyprus has been dealing with earthquakes for thousands of years. Some of the historical earthquakes are the following:

> 26 BC: A devastating earthquake struck Egypt, with a possible tsunami, affecting Cyprus as well.
> 15 BC: A devastating earthquake in Paphos devastated the city.
> 76 AD: A devastating earthquake occurred in the sea area of ​​Cyprus. There are some exaggerated reports of a simultaneous volcanic eruption in the Kapedes area but it is most likely confused with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius the same year. Some reports show a tsunami.
> 332-333 AD: A strong earthquake destroyed the city of Salamis.
> 342 AD: Paphos was completely destroyed. Small rivers changed their course due to the earthquake.
> 365 AD: It occurred on July 21 and caused extensive damage in Greece, Crete, Asia Minor and Egypt. The seismic sequence probably near Cyprus during the period 365-378 completely destroyed Kourion.
> 394 AD: A strong earthquake destroyed temples and houses in Paphos and Salamis.
> May 3, 1222: One of the strongest earthquakes in the historical catalogs, which also caused a tsunami. The earthquake and tsunami caused extensive damage in Paphos and Limassol. The fortress of Paphos was destroyed and the port was left without water.
> 7-8 August 1303: A rather moderate earthquake destroyed the Hagia Sophia.
> April 25, 1491: A strong local earthquake that was felt throughout the island and caused significant damage in Nicosia and other cities of Mesaoria.
> April 25, 1567: A strong earthquake, which was felt throughout the island and caused significant damage in Limassol, Nicosia and Famagusta.
> 28 January 1577: Destructive earthquake with 140 aftershocks.
> December 10, 1735: Local earthquake with 200 victims.

CEB12 3 News, Nea Famagusta

Source: Liberal