Greece hit by strong earthquake A powerful earthquake has hit Greece, shaking buildings and waking people from their sleep.
Greek geologists say the quake - measuring
6.5 - was centred 120km (75 miles) south-west of Athens in the southern Peloponnese region.
But it was very deep, 51km underground, and there were no early reports of casualties or damage.
Reports say the quake was felt over much of Greece, which is the most earthquake-prone country in Europe.
The earthquake struck at 0514 GMT - 0714 local time - while many people were still asleep.
BBC Athens correspondent Malcolm Brabant said the quake shook his house vigorously for 20 seconds and sent him sprinting for the front door.
Residents of the southern town of Kalamata said their houses shook for 40 seconds.
Reports say the quake was also felt in Italy.
The last serious earthquake in Greece killed more than 100 people in September 1999.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/7173608.stmPublished: 2008/01/06 06:57:28 GMT