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30 Years After Cyprus Earthquake: Remembering the Night Paphos Shook

Published February 24, 2026, 14:08
30 Years After Cyprus Earthquake: Remembering the Night Paphos Shook

On February 23, 1995, Cyprus experienced a powerful earthquake of nearly 6 magnitude, with its epicenter off the coast of Paphos. The earthquake was felt throughout Cyprus, causing anxiety and panic. Approximately 100 aftershocks followed, sustaining a climate of fear. The most significant damage was reported in three communities within the Paphos district: Pano Arodes, Miliou, and Stroumpi. In Miliou, homes were demolished, resulting in the death of an elderly couple. In Pano Arodes, around 100 houses were destroyed, leaving dozens homeless. The residents of the affected villages lived in tents for weeks until state support and restoration efforts began. The earthquake remains a traumatic experience for those who lived in Cyprus during that time. The article refers to the night of the earthquake, the prevailing anxiety, and the immediate consequences that followed. Emphasis is placed on the effectiveness of state mechanisms and the prompt response to address the conditions created after the disaster.