6.6 Quake Hits in Greek North; 16 Hurt Slightly

ATHENS — A powerful earthquake shook northern Greece on Saturday, slightly injuring 16 people, damaging hundreds of old homes and cutting power and telephone lines.

The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, caused panic in towns and villages across northern and central Greece. Aftershocks continued to rock the region throughout the day.

The quake struck at 11:47 a.m. near the town of Kozani, 180 miles northwest of the capital, according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute. It was felt as far south as Athens and as far north as Salonika.

Sixteen people were treated at hospitals for minor injuries, most caused by panic, said a spokesman at the Public Order Ministry in Athens, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He said 190 old houses collapsed in villages in Grevena province. Near Kozani, 50 houses and three village bell towers collapsed and a bridge was damaged.

Police said many of the worst-hit buildings were old stone dwellings that had been abandoned. They also noted that at midday, when the quake hit, many people were outside doing weekend shopping.

There have been 34 earthquakes in Greece since April 1, many in northern Greece.