Several schools, childcare centers and public facilities in the city of Ioannina, in northwestern Greece, will remain closed Tuesday as authorities continue structural inspections after a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the region.

The quake, which occurred Sunday in the nearby area of Thesprotia, caused damage to more than 140 buildings in Ioannina, according to local reports. Most of the affected structures are homes, but damage has also been identified in churches and school buildings.

Municipal authorities said inspections have already been carried out in a number of school units and public buildings since Monday, but some checks remain incomplete while others require additional evaluation by specialized inspection teams.

As a precaution, the Municipality of Ioannina announced that several facilities will not operate on Tuesday, March 10, until safety checks are completed.

The closures include several daycare centers and kindergartens across the municipality. Elementary schools and even a high school will not operate.

Authorities said the facilities will reopen only after building inspections are fully completed.

Several other schools will also stay closed because they require further inspections by specialized engineers from Greece’s state infrastructure agency responsible for public buildings.

Officials said a new announcement will be issued once the inspection teams complete their assessments.

Other municipal facilities closed

In addition to schools, several municipal cultural and public facilities will not operate Tuesday because inspections of their buildings are still ongoing.

These include the Municipal Museum, the Ioannina Municipal Conservatory and its branch in the suburb of Anatoli, rehearsal spaces used by the city’s Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestra, as well as facilities hosting art workshops, traditional dance classes and the municipal dance school.

The Anatoli Cultural Center and the Municipal Archive will also remain closed.

Local authorities said the closures are strictly precautionary and aimed at ensuring public safety until all structural checks are completed.