A strong aftershock measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale shook the island of Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) in western Greece on February 3, after the initial strong earthquake on January 26 at 5.8 Richter. Extensive damage has been caused to buildings and roads on the Ionian island, raising concern among experts that the rise in activity could trigger a larger event in the future.

The government has launched a major campaign, to assist residents. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras called on the armed forces to provide support, equipment and supplies to the island to help the relief effort, while the Health ministry also dispatched teams to provide assistance in the event of a third large quake. Also, senior government officials had travelled to the island by Monday evening to coordinate relief efforts.