Is it safe to travel to Rhodes and Turkey? Earthquake expert shares advice for holidaymakers
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TOURISTS in popular holiday destinations in Greece and Turkey were shaken by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake this morning.
The quake struck just after 2am local time off the Turkish coast, with the epicentre 29km north of the island of Rhodes.
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A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck this morning
Around 70 people were injured in Southwest Turkey and a 14-year-old girl is known to have died due to a panic attack in the resort town of Fethiye.
2025 has seen the Greek islands experience significant seismic activity - with multiple earthquakes rattling Santorini back in February causing tourists to flee and a 6.1 magnitude tremor hitting Crete on May 14.
Turkey also shook in April when powerful tremors hit Istanbul.
With the summer season in full swing, is it safe to travel to the region?
Dr Margarita Segou - a seismologist with the British Geological Survey and editor-in-chief of Geophysical Journal International - is an earthquake expert and Greek national.
She said: "Greece and Turkey are two very high seismic-prone countries."
The countries' locations on a fault line known as the Hellenic Trench mean that they have seen large magnitude earthquakes, such as the 2023 Turkey disaster which left 53,000 people dead.
However, speaking of the more recent tremors, she said: "Those magnitudes are well within the standard for moderate earthquakes in this region."
Dr Segou explains that as today's quake occurred at a depth of more than 70km, it would be classed as a "deep earthquake", which is not necessarily more dangerous.
"Since the earthquake is deep, we have less damage than usual, although it means that it is felt in a wider area.
Huge 5.8 earthquake strikes Greece & Turkey leaving 1 dead & dozens injured as 'panicked locals jumped off buildings'
"Also the probability of a large earthquake immediately after is only heightened for a few days."
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s travel advice for Greece states: "The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, experienced increased earthquake activity in early 2025. This increase has since subsided and the tourist season is expected to continue as usual."
It does not advise against travel to the area and references February's earthquakes in Santorini - something Dr Segou admitted had been "an alarming phenomenon".
However, she does not believe that the today's quake warrants cause for concern for anyone planning to travel to Greece or Turkey.
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Guests at a hotel in Rhodes began gathering outside following the earthquake
Credit: Stefan Harradine
"I would not say that we are now facing a situation of increased activity within 2025."
Dr Segou revealed the steps holidaymakers should take if they do find themselves experiencing the natural phenomenon.
"Tourists and populations should always follow the guidance from the authorities regarding any emerging situations.
"If you feel an earthquake, it is better to be outside of the building a few minutes after. But during the strong shaking, one should always take cover beneath a very strong, well-built table, for example."
She added that buildings in the region are well-prepared for these natural events and reasonably safe even if a moderate earthquake hits.
"Greece has a very strict seismic code and it is always abided by in construction.
"The earthquake resistance plan for buildings is something that has proven correct and protective to people many times in previous disasters."
The Foreign Office provides further tips for visitors to both countries, including calling 112 for Greek emergency services and checking Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority's earthquake website.
Travel company TUI issued the following statement to those holidaying in the affected area: "Please remain calm and follow any safety instructions provided by your accommodation or local officials."
EasyJet also confirmed that its customers had experienced minimal impact to their holidays.
If you are considering cancelling your trip to Greece or Turkey, bear in mind that as the FCDO has not formally advised against travel there is no guarantee that you will be refunded.
Flights to and from both Rhodes and Dalaman airports are operating as usual with no disruption having been caused by the earthquake.
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The popular resort town of Fethiye was hit by the tremors
Credit: Getty
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