Strong Quake Shakes Greece; 16 People Hurt

A strong earthquake shook northwestern Greece on Saturday, slightly injuring 16 people and damaging hundreds of old homes.

The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, caused panic in towns and villages across northern and central Greece.

Aftershocks continued to rock the region throughout the day.

The quake struck at 11:47 a.m. near the town of Kozani, 180 miles northwest of the capital, according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute.

It was felt as far south as Athens and as far north as Salonica.

Sixteen people were treated at hospitals for minor injuries, most caused by panic, said a spokesman at the Public Order Ministry in Athens, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He said 190 old houses collapsed in villages in Grevena province.

Near Kozani, 50 houses and three village bell towers collapsed, and a bridge was damaged.

A magnitude-6 quake can cause severe damage.