Earthquake in Greece transforms sandy beach into giant dust cloud

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Friday, November 20, 2015
A file photo shows a panoramic view of the rocky coastline in Greece.
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What happens to the sand on a beach when an earthquake strikes? A man in a boat in Greece captured the dramatic moment he saw sand get tossed up into a massive dust cloud during an earthquake earlier this week.

Warning: Strong language

Thomas Verykios was fishing off the island of Lefkada, Greece on Tuesday when an earthquake rocked the area.

When the tremors started, Verykios wasn't sure what to make of it, he told ABC.

"I wasn't too sure what that noise was. I thought it was the boat motor," he said.

When he realized what was happening, he decided to document it.

"I was shocked, and then I thought to myself, 'I better get the phone out to show the family,'" he said.

Verykios said witnessing the effect of the quake on the sand was awe-inspiring.

"It was one of the most spectacular things that I've ever seen," he said.

The 6.1 magnitude earthquake killed two people and caused extensive damage to roads and buildings on Lefkada and nearby islands.