We just had the biggest earthquake I have ever been in, here in Aktio. 5.2 on the Richter scale. It woke me up. The boat was shaking on its supports and I screamed. Very frightening.
I got up and noticed that the books on a shelf shifted, an empty flower vase fell off a shelf but everything else was ok. Except for me. Half an hour later, my heart hasn't returned to normal beat yet. After it was over we've had several smaller aftershocks.
I checked the website for the earthquakes in Greece and there was only one stronger than this all of last year in all of Greece. I hope that's good news and they will never get any stronger. I was also thinking that people in boats in a marina probably never felt anything. On the other hand, what about people in apartments? I hope everyone is ok.
Usually, after a strong earthquake here, some old buildings crumble but most other ones are built according to the earthquake code so are able to withstand a strong earthquake without damage. And I suppose after a while people get used to them.
My older son lived in Taipei for four years and he says that you never get used to them. He experienced a 6.9 while living in a highrise. He said that shaking concrete makes a really scary noise.
Since this morning we've had several aftershocks with the biggest one 3.3 at 11:25.
I've noticed the Aktio boatyard crew going around and checking all the supports on the yachts and tightening them up this morning.
It makes me feel a bit more secure but I'm wondering if it isn't better to be on the water all winter with a diesel heater keeping me warm. What would you choose: an earthquake or a winter storm?
