(dpa) - A strong earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale rocked southern Greece on Thursday, but there were no reports of injuries or damage, the Athens Geodynamic Institute said.
The underwater earthquake, which took place at 12:09 pm (1009 GMT), had an epicenter about 225 kilometers south-west of Athens, in the area of Methoni, near the southern Peloponnese city of Kalamata.
The earthquake was felt throughout the Peloponnese, as well as the western port city of Patras and the southern Mediterranean island of Crete.
Reports said school children were immediately evacuated from all schools in the area.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.