Strong quake shakes Greece

A strong earthquake struck southern Greece today.

The US Geological Survey put the initial magnitude at 7.3.

The quake, which was felt in Athens, sent people rushing out of buildings in cities in southern Greece, local media said.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute gave a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 and said the quake had an epicentre beneath the seabed off the coast near the southern city of Kalamata, 140 from the capital.

The US Geological Survey later revised its estimate of the magnitude downward to 6.7. The quake hit shortly after noon (10am Irish time).

Seismologists said aftershocks were possible, and Greek television stations warned people in areas near the epicentre to stay away from buildings.