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IRISH PEOPLE TRAVELLING in or to Greece and Turkey have been advised to follow the directions of local authorities in the wake of a powerful earthquake in the Dodecanese region.
Two people died on the Greek island of Kos when the earthquake struck in the early hours of this morning. The epicentre of the quake was very close to hugely popular Turkish and Greek holiday resorts on the Aegean Sea.
The quake measured 6.7 on the Richter scale and the region has experienced several aftershocks in its aftermath with further shocks predicted.
Kos Airport was temporarily closed this morning, but has since reopened and is operating with some delays.
The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) recommends that anyone travelling in the region contact their travel agent or tour operator for the latest update.
“Tour operators are working with local authorities to assess any damage and support any Irish travellers who may require assistance,” the ITAA said.
The ITAA has advised anyone in the regions affected to follow the advice of local authorities and their travel provider.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said: “There are no indications of any Irish citizens being involved.”
Irish couple Kerry and Mandy Mink, who are holidaying in Marmaris, more than 100km from the earthquake’s epicentre, told TheJournal.ie that their fifth floor apartment “shook and swayed violently” when the quake struck.
Anyone with serious concerns for Irish citizens in the area can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs on +353 1 408 2527.
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It’s okay! The Irish lads were only interested in the “crack”.
@Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: *craic
@Fank Pulman: crack cocaine is known as ‘crack’…
@Fank Pulman: ah leave him alone he was only trying to crack a joke …
@Fank Pulman: he did use exclamation marks for a reason.
@Fank Pulman: I’m referring to the crack that can be caused by an earthquake. Near Ephesus it is possible to see a huge crack in a mountain that was caused by a previous earthquake. Crack was a pun on craic!!
@Greg Blake: thank God some one spotted it!! I will have to change my name to Mr. Mark Exclamation!!!!
Anybody who goes on holiday to that hellhole turkey is not bothered by earthquakes.
@Dave Hogan: never been to Turkey. Why is it a hellhole?
@john culhane: if I said if you stick your hand in a fire you would get burned would you announce you never tried it?
@Dave Hogan: JC just asked a simple question…pity…
@Dave Hogan: The Irish used to keep Kusadasi in business not that long ago. It was also a handy package to spend time in the jewel that is Ephesus.
@john culhane: Turkey is a beautiful country with fabulous history, scenery, food and the kindest people on the planet. We have been going to Bodrum region for years. I can only assume the previous commentor has never been.
And God made the World.
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