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Tragic Situation in Cephalonia: Earthquake Victims in Need of Shelter and Food

Cephalonia-earthquake_LixouriIt was a long, rough night for the residents of Cephalonia, Greece. Many were not able to return to their homes to spend the night because of the ongoing aftershocks.
Cephalonians, who watched as their houses were destroyed by the two large-scale earthquakes that occurred near the island in the last 8 days, were forced to stay overnight anywhere safe they could find, including boats, buses, football fields, cars and makeshift shacks. The weather has made the situation worse, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius during the night, accompanied by strong winds and torrential rain hitting the island.
In order to move forward with procedures for restoring damages caused by the two earthquakes, the island was declared a natural disaster zone by the Greek Ministry for Infrastructure.
According to Secretary General for Public Works, Stratos Simopoulos, 750 houses have been declared unfit for habitation, mainly in the area of Paliki. He stressed that the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure is ready to send containers to Cephalonia in order to set up camps for the earthquake victims. However, the Ministry of Infrastructure in cooperation with local authorities will discuss the implications that the camps will have on tourism.
At dawn another C-130 Air Force landed on the Greek island, carrying 1,000 sleeping bags, 260 tents and basic necessities. Men of the Underwater Demolition Navy Team arrived as well and will be examining the seabed in Argostoli to check if it is in good condition and if ships will be able to enter the port. Liksouri, however, is still  in great need of food, water and accommodation for earthquake victims.
Krouz_LixouriLocal Authorities Contact Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz
Authorities from the island of Cephalonia have requested the help of Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz in order to enhance the island’s chances at a normal touristic season this summer, despite the damages caused by the earthquakes.
According to Cephalonia’s deputy mayor, Evangelos Kekatos, after coming in contact with the two actors, authorities invited them to the island. Both actors had been on the island in 2001, while filming the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” Penelope Cruz stated two days ago that she has “the fondest memories of the island and its residents.” She added: “I hope that anyone suffering from the earthquake will soon be able to get back on their feet. I think about them and I send my warmest wishes.”

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