A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake has struck near the Greek island of Crete, prompting tsunami warnings and widespread tremors across the region.
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake’s epicentre was located 36 miles off the coast of Elounda, Crete.
Shocks were felt on several nearby islands, including Santorini, and as far afield as Turkey and Egypt.
In response, the EMSC issued tsunami warnings for Greece, Turkey, Italy, France and Portugal. While no injuries or significant damage have been reported, Greek authorities have urged residents and tourists to move away from the coast and seek higher ground.
Greece, one of Europe’s most earthquake-prone countries, had issued a similar warning just last week after a 5.9-magnitude tremor off the island of Kasos. The University of Athens seismology lab recorded over 18,000 minor quakes between January and February alone.
The latest quake, recorded at a depth of 43 miles, occurred shortly before 9 am local time (6 am GMT). Eyewitnesses reported being jolted awake by the tremors, with shaking beds and rattling windows. No evacuation orders were issued, but the Greek fire brigade confirmed that all units in Crete are now on high alert.
Giorgos Tsapakos, a regional government official, stated: “There are no reports of injuries or any serious damage,” but noted the situation remains under close monitoring.
Greece’s Institute of Geodynamics has recorded 19 smaller aftershocks since the main quake, ranging from 1.3 to 3.5 in magnitude.
In the last 24 hours, the institute has tracked 104 seismic events, many of which were clustered around the epicentre near Elounda and others near the islands of Fira, Amorgos, and the Greek mainland.
Air travel to Greece remains unaffected, with no disruptions or cancellations to inbound flights reported. However, authorities advise travellers to check with airlines for updates and remain vigilant.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, reminding visitors that Greece remains at risk of seismic activity. “You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake, follow advice given by the local authorities, and call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger,” the advisory states.
The Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has also cautioned against approaching the coast until authorities confirm it is safe, warning that a tsunami can consist of multiple waves arriving at different times.
“This is not a single wave phenomenon,” a ministry spokesperson said. “When you see the tsunami coming, it is likely too late to avoid it.”
Greece’s position between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it especially vulnerable to earthquakes. In February, Santorini experienced a 5.2-magnitude quake, and last week’s 5.9-magnitude tremor off Kasos led to widespread fears about the safety of Crete and Rhodes.
In October 2021, Crete was rocked by a 6.3-magnitude quake, a month after another tremor near Heraklion caused extensive damage and displacement, killing one and injuring dozens.
Commenting on today’s quake, leading seismologist Efthymios Lekkas told public broadcaster ERT that this was an isolated event. “There is no link to the seismic events in Santorini or the recent earthquake in Turkey. The geotectonic context is entirely different,” he said.
In the event of another tremor, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises people to drop to the ground, cover their head, and hold on to a stable object. Those near coastal areas should head to higher ground.
British nationals affected can expect a crisis response from the FCDO, including a dedicated hotline and emergency registration platform.
Travellers are encouraged to register with Greece’s Emergency Communication Service to receive timely alerts and consult the Ministry of Civil Protection to locate nearby emergency assembly points.
