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A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula early Monday, raising fears of stronger aftershocks as authorities warn the region remains at risk. The tremor, centred near Kalamata, was felt across southern Greece and parts of the Balkans, according to seismologists monitoring the event . While no immediate casualties have been reported, officials cautioned that the quake may not have been the main event, citing historical patterns of stronger seismic activity in the area.
Greek civil protection services activated emergency protocols, urging residents to avoid coastal zones due to potential tsunami risks—a standard precaution following significant offshore tremors. The Hellenic Seismological Network recorded at least 12 aftershocks within the first two hours, the largest measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale . Authorities in Athens convened an emergency session Monday afternoon to assess structural damage to buildings, bridges, and critical infrastructure, though preliminary inspections in Kalamata and Sparta showed only minor cracks in older masonry structures.
The quake coincides with a volatile weather pattern sweeping across Europe, where meteorological agencies are warning of extreme temperature swings and severe storms. In Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia, temperatures surged to 35°C on Monday after weekend downpours, while Romania braced for heavy rain and thunderstorms as cooler air masses collided with lingering heat . French climatologist Magali Reghezza-Zitt told *Libération* that such erratic conditions reflect the accelerating climate crisis, arguing that traditional adaptation measures are increasingly inadequate .
Across the continent, emergency services are on high alert. In Portugal, where temperatures reached 35°C on Monday, authorities cancelled outdoor World Cup fan zones and evacuated thousands of spectators ahead of forecasted storms . Meanwhile, Slovakia and the Netherlands reported clearing skies after morning drizzle, with temperatures expected to climb through Wednesday .
Seismologists note that the Peloponnese lies along the Hellenic Arc, a subduction zone prone to powerful quakes. The 2020 Samos earthquake, which killed two people, measured 7.0, underscoring the region’s vulnerability. While Monday’s tremor was significant, experts stress that the seismic sequence remains unpredictable. “We cannot rule out a larger event,” warned the Institute of Geodynamics in Athens, urging residents to prepare emergency kits and review evacuation routes .
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