The 1953 7.2 Richter scale earthquake had a major and immediate impact on the island’s economy and the government feared mass emigration. Funds were established for the relief of those left homeless and to provide money for rebuilding. As part of those efforts this social welfare stamp was created:
Now following the most recent 5.7 Richter earthquake coming just one week after another major tremor, photos have emerged from Kefalonia depicting a damaged church bell-tower that bears an uncanny resemblance to the 1953 stamp:
FOSPHOTOS / Aristeidis Kavallieratos
The bell-tower is located in the village of Kourkoulata. Fears over the imminent collapse of the structure may lead to its destruction in the coming days.
Residents also remain highly fearful that the worst is still yet to come, with another, bigger earthquake around the corner, just as the 1953 quake came after a series of tremors. The fears are not unfounded with seismologists studying the area’s complex faults agreeing that it is a potential scenario.