Schools and daycare centers in the city of Ioannina, in northwestern Greece, remained closed on Monday after a strong earthquake struck the region early Sunday morning.

Local authorities in the Municipality of Ioannina ordered the suspension of operations for all schools and childcare facilities on March 9 as a precautionary measure.

Officials said the decision was made to allow technical inspection teams to examine school buildings following the earthquake and the continuing aftershock activity reported in the area.

According to the municipality’s announcement, engineers will carry out on-site inspections to ensure that educational facilities are structurally safe before students and staff return.

The temporary closure applies to all educational levels as well as municipal daycare centers across the municipality.

Authorities emphasized that the measure is strictly preventive and intended to ensure the safety of students, teachers and staff while assessments of the buildings are completed.