Thousands of Athenians have fled to the streets following a strong earthquake which shook the Greek capital Friday afternoon and knocked out phone services and power in parts of the city.
The 5.1 magnitude earthquake originated approximately 14 miles north-west of Athens and shook the city for nearly 15 seconds.
The effects were especially felt in the city center, although no significant injuries have been reported.
According to the BBC, Greek fire services rescued more than a dozen people who had been trapped in elevators due to power outages.
Athens-based celebrity chef Argiro Barbarigou tweeted a short video clip showing visual impact from the quake.
She wrote: “Did you feel it?! Very strong and with duration. Be careful in the center of Athens!”
The earthquake was close to eight miles from the surface. According to seismologists, its proximity was the reason why Athenians felt it so strongly.
The last earthquake in Athens hit in September 1999. With a magnitude of six and an epicenter close to Mount Parnitha, the quake devastated the city, killing 143 people and damaging tens of thousands of buildings.
