Big earthquake in Kos: Assistance from the HRT Kos volunteers

With a group of nine rescuers, the HRT branch on Kos was immediately mobilized after the big 6,4 on a Richter scale earthquake that hit the island at 1.30 in the morning, on Friday 21st of July.  The earthquake resulted in two deaths and huge damages in the island.

In cooperation with the Fire Service, the Kos Municipality and the ambulance service, HRT volunteers were operating all night, supporting people who were injured and providing first aid.

Two tourists lost their lives during the earthquake, after a wall in a bar collapsed. Another person is also seriously injured. HRT volunteers assisted in recovering the bodies.

Damages on the island are extensive, with the Kos port seriously damaged and old buildings in the town collapsed. Special Fire Services forces with two rescue dogs are now in the island along with first responders from Rhodes and army forces.

After a big aftershock of 5.1 on a Richter scale, the situation right now seems to be manageable.