September 1999 - Athens Earthquake - The Aftermath

The average traveler to or through Athens will be hard put to find any sign of September's killer earthquake. Minor aftershocks occasionally shake the nerves, but these are decreasing in intensity and frequency. According to seismologists, there is no danger of a second major quake any time soon.

The tragic aftermath of the Turkish quake, which was much more devastating and deadly, has eclipsed the Greek crisis for many aid organizations. However, thousands of Athenians in the hardest-struck suburbs, especially Menidi, Ano Liosia, Nea Filadelphia, Nea Ionia, Kifissia and Zefyri, remain homeless. With November chilling the air and bringing rain, the situation is growing less comfortable by the day. Estimates of the financial cost of the earthquake damage range as high as 500 billion drachmas, about 1.6 billion dollars U.S.

Italy has provided 200 caravans as temporary housing, but most of the displaced Athenians are living in tents. In inclement weather, the Greek government is providing lodging in hotels. However, many are choosing to stay in the camps.

Others whose homes have been marked with the yellow "X" indicating that they must be repaired before being reoccupied, have ignored official warnings and returned to their own dwellings, at least during the storms. Official estimates of those still homeless vary, but the numbers are troubling. The most recent registration indicates that 78,000 families are homeless. The government has arranged for 4,000 prefabricated units to be made available, but many more are needed. The EU is also providing aid.

Spiritual assistance has been provided by the presence of a revered 7th century icon from Mt. Athos, which has been brought to Athens to offer the comfort of its presence to the quake victims.

Want to help? The International Red Cross and Red Crescent society has made an appeal for funds to assist Greek earthquake victims. (Note to U.S. readers: The American branch of the Red Cross is not presently involved in Greek earthquake relief; a press office representative told me this was because no request had been made to the American Red Cross for assistance. Donations specifically for Greece should go to the International Red Cross, linked above.)

The Council of Hellenes Abroad, a U.S.-based business organization, has set up their own relief fund. The American Hellenic Progressive Education Abroad society (AHEPA) has also created a relief fund, and they include eyewitness reports on a visit to Athens shortly after the quake itself.