Quake hits northwest Greece, causing damage but no injuries

ATHENS, Greece – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 struck northwestern Greece in the early hours of Saturday, causing damage to buildings but no reported injuries.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the quake occurred at 2:49 a.m. local time (0049 GMT), with an epicenter 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the western seaside town of Parga, and 316 kilometres (196 miles) west northwest of the capital, Athens.

Local media said the quake sent people running into the street, while several old and uninhabited houses were reported to have collapsed in the nearby village of Kanalaki. Less severe damage was also reported in newer houses, with broken windows and plaster falling off walls.

Greece is located in a highly seismically active area and experiences hundreds of quakes each year. The vast majority are small and do not cause damage or injuries.