Concerns Over Potential 6.0+ Magnitude Earthquake in Larissa

The city of Larissa is on high alert following a warning from Athanasios Ganas, Director of Research at the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, about the potential for a significant earthquake.

The fault line running through Larissa, which spans at least 11 kilometres, poses a threat of an earthquake exceeding 6.0 on the Richter scale.

"We have mapped a fault in Larissa that is at least 11 kilometers long, capable of producing an earthquake of more than 6.0 Richter, possibly up to 6.2," Ganas told ERT Larissa. He emphasized the need for increased attention to nearby faults extending east to Platykambos and north to Girtoni and Rodia.

Ganas highlighted the necessity for further investigation into the Larissa fault, especially concerning the timing of its last earthquake. "It could have been 2,000 years ago, meaning the fault is mature and possibly nearing the end of its cycle, or it could have occurred earlier. We lack historical data to fully assess the fault's danger. The same applies to faults near Platykambos and further north at Asmachi and Eleftherios," he explained, stressing the need for additional fieldwork to evaluate their hazard levels accurately.

Infrastructure Concerns and Safety Measures

In addition to seismic risks, Ganas criticized the approval of permits for ten-storey buildings in Larissa and other Thessalian cities, including Volos. He described this as a "criminal" oversight, considering the proximity of these cities to active fault lines.

"I find it irresponsible for authorities to allow ten-storey buildings, not just in Larissa but also in Volos and across Thessaly. Our cities are built on or near faults, necessitating escape and evacuation plans. High-rise buildings should not be clustered in neighboring blocks. This is a significant error that must be rectified. I am sounding the alarm," Ganas declared.

The warning calls for immediate action to reassess building regulations and develop comprehensive evacuation plans to ensure the safety of residents in earthquake-prone areas.

Read more: Earthquakes

(Source: To Vima)