Magnitude 5 twin earthquakes jolt Greece![]() February 17, 2013 - 17:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two earthquakes have struck south-western Greece, both with preliminary magnitudes of 5 but with different epicentres, seismologists said, according to Belfast Telegraph. No injuries or damage were immediately reported. The first quake struck at 5.12am (0312 GMT) on Sunday, with an epicentre beneath the seabed 69 kilometres (43 miles) south-west of the Ionian island of Zakinthos, the Athens Geodynamic Institute said. The second struck more than two hours later off the south-western shore of the Peloponnese. The US Geological Survey gave the first quake a preliminary magnitude of 4.9, and the second 5. Preliminary magnitudes often vary in the early hours after a quake. Greece is in an earthquake-prone region, but most have epicentres deep beneath the seabed and rarely cause damage or injuries. Partner news U.S. officials say they want to advance efforts to start talks between the Syrian government and opposition leaders. The international conference, backed by Russia and the U.S., aims to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Nuland, a career foreign service officer who was until recently State's top spokesperson, was expected to be nominated the post. Alkhatib said Assad should respond within 20 days and that he should then be given a month to dissolve parliament. Partner news |