Science Newspaper

Earthquake Strikes Patras!

On November 10th, 2011 a strong but shallow 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook urban Patras, Greece. The earthquake hit at 7:25 p.m. just as many locals were finishing their dinners. The epicenter, as shown on the map was just 16 miles outside of Patras.

Luckily, this wasn’t the largest earthquake to strike Patras. Residents of Patras often feel tremors from seismic activity due to Patras’s proximity to seismotectonic plates. An earthquake occurs from interaction of the large Eurasian plate with the smaller Aegean plate every few years. Residents of Patras reported some minor structure damage of falling bricks and rubble. Thankfully, there were no reports of severe damage or injuries.

Daily Life The residents of Patras are always prepared for seismic activity, as small tremors can be felt by residents constantly. This tectonic activity does not effect residents on a daily basis. The people of Patras enjoy the Mediterranean weather with its mild wet winters and dry hot summers. Patras is well known and loved for its Greek and Roman monuments and buildings from the late 19th and 20th century. Residents also enjoy visiting many outstanding theaters and museums year-round.

It is only when earthquake activity occurs that residents daily life could be impacted by damage to the irreplaceable historic buildings.

Economical Impact The economy of Patras is based on service sectors such as retailing and manufacturing. Patras also has major ports that are busy with trade and communications with Italy and western Europe. Most Greek banks also have regional headquarters located in Patras. If multiple earthquakes continue to develop near Patras, it could have a very negative effect on the economy there.

Earthquakes could potentially damage the structures of stores and factories where goods are made which would stop production.

Damage to residents’ homes could also slow the economy because residents would be using money to fix their homes instead of buying merchandise. Trade and shipping routes would also be stopped or disrupted.

Preparedness Residents of Patras are well prepared for the possibility of an earthquake since it occurs about every few years there. Residents know how to prepare their property for an earthquake. This includes securing items with bolts or latches. Residents are also aware of the basic safety rules for being indoors or outdoors in an earthquake. Unfortunately, many of Patras ancient monuments and buildings have been damaged over the years, but are now being protected by a plan to protect and restore them.

Created by the L. Pedrick Publisher

Bibliography (Strong?) Shallow Earthquake in Greece, near Patras. Armand Vervaeck - James Daniell - Szombath Balazs, 11 Nov. 2011. Web. 2012. http://earthquake-report.com/2011/11/10/strong-shallow-in-greece-near-patras/ Tectonic Summary of Greece. The United States Geological Survey, 29 Mar. 2010. Web. 2012. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/greece/tectonic_summary.php..

“Earthquake.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 17. Jan. 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake.