Kalamata commemorates 40 years since devastating earthquakes

The city of Kalamata is holding a series of commemorative events to mark the 40th anniversary of the devastating earthquakes that struck the region on September 13, 1986. The seismic event, which lasted 31 seconds, resulted in 22 deaths, numerous injuries, and the collapse of hundreds of homes.

To honor the victims, a minute of silence is scheduled for 8:21 PM in the central square, the exact time the earthquake occurred. The commemorative program, organized by the Municipality of Kalamata in collaboration with academic institutions and research organizations, runs from September through December.

A central component of the anniversary is a focus on scientific knowledge and disaster resilience. Scientific conferences, including the symposium ‘31 seconds that shook the city’, aim to analyze tectonic data regarding both land and subsea faults in the highly geodynamically active region. Other activities include memorial services, photo exhibitions, and educational programs led by volunteer organizations to promote preparedness for future natural phenomena.