Powerful quake hits western Greek island

A powerful earthquake struck islands in western Greece today, injuring about 10 people and causing some damage, officials said.

The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.4, was centred just off the Ionian Sea island of Lefkada, about 175 miles north-west of Athens.

Rescue officials said doctors on the island treated at least 10 people for minor injuries. People raced into the streets in panic and frightened tourists sought ferries off the island.

One fire official said there did not appear to be widespread serious damage to buildings, but the authorities had not received full reports from villages.

The quake hit as residents held memorials for the 50-year anniversary of a series of devastating quakes that flattened nearby Cephalonia island, killing 476 people.