By Con Charalambous
The Geological Survey Department has recorded at least 200 aftershocks after Cyprus experienced its strongest quakes in a decade, a 5.3 on Wesnesday morning and a 5.2 that same afternoon, within the space of five hours, causing damage to historical buildings and older structures and forcing hundreds to leave their jobs and homes, mostly in Paphos.
Τhe aftershock sequence has been described as 'intense', particularly causing concern around the epicentre at Ayia Marina Kelokedaron, 20 kilometres northeast of the district's main city.
The two main quakes jolted the whole island, but beyond Paphos, were felt more strongly in the Limassol and Nicosia districts, even reaching the wider Eastern Mediterranean shores.
Sixteen out of the 200 aftershocks were measured at 3.0-4.5 degrees on the Richter scale.
Over the past 40 hours, the aftershock sequence is progressing without surprises and the phenomenon is easing, both in terms of size and frequency of tremors.
The Geological Survey Department noted that the smooth phasing out of such tremors, does not rule out the possibility of subsequent major quakes, but the odds of such a development is dropping with time.
Data processing continues and relevant information is available on the Departmenr's websites, www.gsd-seismology.org.cy and [www2.gsd-seismology.org.cy]www2.gsd-seismology.org.cy.