A tsunami warning has been issued for parts of Greece, including Crete, following a powerful earthquake this morning. The Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has urgently advised people to evacuate coastal areas, especially around Kasos, after the 6.0 magnitude quake raised fears of a tsunami.
Residents and holidaymakers are being told to leave the coastline and seek higher ground as a safety measure. The Ministry announced on its X account: “A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred 48km SE of Kasos. Risk of possible Tsunami in your area. Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities.”
Initially reported as magnitude 5.9, the earthquake’s strength has been revised to 6.0, reports the Mirror. With the epicentre near Crete, the tremors were felt across various islands, prompting emergency services to be on alert for potential aftershocks.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant destruction, but the authorities are keeping a close watch and advising caution.
The Greek island of Crete and its surrounding areas are well-known as one of Europe’s most earthquake-prone regions. In October 2021, a 6.3 magnitude quake shook Crete just weeks after another lethal tremor resulted in one fatality and injured at least a dozen others.
The previous quake, which occurred in September 2021, wreaked havoc on villages near Heraklion, damaging hundreds of homes and displacing numerous families. Visible cracks were left in schools and public buildings, and residents were compelled to sleep outside due to the fear of additional shocks.
One of the most potent quakes in recent history hit near the island of Karpathos in October 2021, registering 6.4 on the Richter scale. Although no deaths were reported, the tremor sent shockwaves through nearby islands including Kasos and Rhodes.
Looking further back, in July 2006, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the seabed south of Crete, causing tremors throughout mainland Greece and waking people in Athens in the early hours.
Greece is located at the junction of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it a hotspot for seismic activity. While locals are accustomed to the earth shaking beneath their feet, the dread of a significant quake is always looming.
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