Lefkada
The Greek island of Lefkada Getty Images

A powerful earthquake struck off the western Greek island of Lefkada, killing at least one person and destroying several buildings, Greek authorities told Reuters.

The epicentre of the magnitude 6 quake was 13 km (8 miles) off the coast of the island in the Ionian Sea, reported the Athens Geodynamic Institute.

Police said a 59-year-old woman was killed when her house collapsed after being struck by a falling rock in the coastal village of Ponti. Another woman is believed to have been crushed to death in a stable in the mountain village of Athani, though police have not confirmed the death.

Damage has been reported to coastal roads and buildings.

Ionian Islands regional governor Theodoros Galiatsatos on state-run television ERT urged people to stay away from damaged buildings, with a 5.2 strength aftershock hitting the island one hour after the main quake, AP reported.

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