U.S., July 19 -- Strong earthquake struck Greek capital of Athens at 2:14pm local time, with the epicenter located 23km northwest of the city, according to the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens.

The city was hit by a series of tremors, with the strongest measuring magnitude 5.1, causing people to flee onto the streets from houses, offices and shopping malls.

The quake, followed by several aftershocks, was felt in different parts of the city. Witnesses described them as "powerful." No injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.

Footage from the scene shows furniture shaking and falling inside apartments during the tremors.

Many public buildings and large shopping malls were evacuate...