According to later measurements, the seismic tremor was 7.2 on the Richter scale[/B] and 10 on the Merkali scale. It occurred at 4:19 in the morning of 4 February 1867 (23 January by the old calendar), at the time of deep sleep. The main earthquake had been preceded by a few other earthquakes of smaller magnitude. According to testimonies, shortly before the main earthquake occurred, a horse in Argostoli broke its shackles and began to run wild.
From the earthquake 12 villages of western Kefalonia were completely destroyed (Katoi, Anoi, Nissochori, Thinnios, Delaportata, Kouralatas, Metaxata, Kalligata, Schinia, Agia Thekla Poriorata and Varoskes), while from Lixouri only two houses survived. 224 people died, 2,612 houses collapsed and 2,946 were damaged. The damage was less severe in Argostoli, where mainly the coastal zone was affected. There were landslides and ground ruptures, and a subtle tsunami was observed.
The earthquake was felt in central and southern Greece, southern Italy and the area of present-day Albania.Minor damage was caused in Ithaca, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Corfu and Western Central Greece.
Aftershocks continued for months in Kefalonia and until the end of April not a day passed without earthquakes. Some of them were so strong that they were also felt in mainland Greece. The devastating earthquake caused an influx of migrants, while a major campaign to help the earthquake victims was initiated by the Koumoundourou government and by Kefalonians from the diaspora.
Source: SanSimera
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