Panic broke out in Paphos, which was also the epicenter of the strong earthquake that shook Cyprus around 11:30 in the morning. The earthquake was felt particularly strongly in all provinces, with citizens pouring into the streets, schools evacuating classrooms, and so far – fortunately – no injuries or damages have been reported.
According to initial estimates, it was a seismic shock of 5.3 Richter, followed by seven aftershocks.
Panic-stricken citizens in Paphos
In Paphos, the earthquake was more than noticeable. The intensity of the tremor and its duration caused panic among many citizens who rushed into the streets, while at least two aftershocks were also felt particularly strongly in the next 20 minutes or so, increasing the sense of anxiety.
The positive aspect of this intense activity is that, according to available information, injuries or serious property damage were avoided. The Police and Fire Service of Paphos reported a few minutes ago to philenews that there were no reports of damage or injuries to citizens, although the intensity of the phenomenon prompted many phone calls from citizens who panicked and sought information.
The only report regarding consequences from the strong earthquake concerned the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road, in the uphill areas of Tsada, where falling stones and rock fragments from the slopes were observed on the roadway.
The earthquake was particularly intense in the low area of Paphos, while at the airport of the province, which according to eyewitnesses shook with unprecedented force for years, it was necessary, based on established protocols, to check the runway for any damage before flights could resume.
In many areas of Paphos city and suburban regions, there was a gathering of people in open spaces, as they hurriedly left their homes and workplaces to go outside.
Although the intense seismic activity caused very minor problems in Paphos province, as stated to philenews by the president of EOA Paphos, Charalambos Pittokopitis, the relevant services and technicians of the Organization have been instructed to be on constant alert in the coming hours for any problems that may arise.
No calls for help in Limassol after the seismic tremor
No calls for help or reports of material damage have been received by Limassol Police an hour after the strong seismic tremor that occurred around 11:30 and was felt throughout Cyprus.
The Message Control Center of ADE Limassol did not receive any requests for rescue or reports of damage. However, some school administrations contacted the Police seeking guidance on how to manage the situation and how they should proceed with students.
The tremor was particularly noticeable in Limassol, with hundreds of citizens reporting their experiences mainly through social media. In some public services, employees exited buildings for safety reasons, and this also happened at the Limassol District Court.
The city’s schools followed established protocols, with students being moved to open areas until approval was given to return to classes, which occurred very quickly.
Disturbance in downtown Larnaca
Despite the disturbance caused mainly among those residing or working in high-rise buildings in Larnaca, according to an update from the Police no damages or injuries have been reported so far due to the strong earthquake. The seismic activity was felt most acutely in the city center and coastal areas of the province, where concern arose mainly due to its duration. In downtown areas, some residents of apartment buildings as well as workers temporarily evacuated buildings while awaiting official updates.
The earthquake was felt in coastal areas of the free Famagusta region, as well as in
Source: Philenews
