On July 21, 2017, at about 1:30 local time, a seaquake occurred with a magnitude of 6.7 on the Moment magnitude scale. It caused destruction especially in Kos town with two people killed and at least 100 wounded. During the earthquake, the Shadirvan (well) of the Loggia Mosque was destroyed (see photo). At Eleftherías Square, the minaret of the Defterdar Mosque collapsed, its Şadırvan bore severe damage and also threatened to collapse.
It also caused a small tsunami that flooded and damaged the harbour of Kos Town. Also in the harbor area, Neratzia Fortress suffered damages and was closed for visitors. In the following days, several major and minor aftershocks occurred, the strongest reaching a magnitude of 4.9.
We were in Kos Town a few days after the main earthquake, and were also surprised by one of the stronger aftershocks. Also we were able to get a good idea of the damage, especially in the center of Kos Town at Elefterías Square and at the harbor.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in this region, a major earthquake in 1933 destroyed large parts of downtown Kos town. As a result of this earthquake, large parts of the ancient parts of the city hidden beneath the modern city were rediscovered and archaeologically excavated.
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