Is it safe to travel to Greece, Turkey, Italy and France after countries put on 'high alert'?
Is it safe to travel to Greece, Turkey, Italy and France after countries put on 'high alert'?
Recent seismic activity near Crete has set off a chain of emergency responses
Lake Garda
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto )
Recent seismic activity near Crete has set off a chain of emergency responses across several Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Turkey, Italy and France.
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred at 6:19am local time on Thursday, May 22 and was approximately 79 kilometres off the coast near Heraklion, Crete, according to reports. The island is situated on the Hellenic Arc, a tectonic boundary where the African and Eurasian plates meet, making it one of the most seismically active regions in Europe.
Following the event, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre issued a tsunami warning for Greece and neighbouring countries including Turkey, Italy, France, Portugal, and Egypt. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises travellers in Greece to enable emergency alert notifications on their mobile devices to receive timely safety updates and instructions.
What does this mean for travellers?
Governments have urged residents and visitors to stay alert and follow safety instructions.
This includes monitoring official sources for updates and being prepared to evacuate if necessary.
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Depending on the evolving situation, some coastal areas might experience temporary closures or restrictions, especially near fault lines or in tsunami-risk zones.
Emergency services in these countries are fully mobilised and have put robust plans in place to respond swiftly to any incidents.
Should you cancel or postpone your trip?
Currently, while the risk of a tsunami cannot be dismissed entirely, the likelihood of a large-scale event impacting tourist hotspots remains low.
The Mediterranean region is accustomed to managing seismic activity, and infrastructure is generally resilient. However, the Foreign Office generally advises travellers in these types of situations should:
Keep an eye on local news and government advisories
Avoid unnecessary risks near coastal areas prone to tsunami hazards
Have a clear emergency plan, including knowledge of evacuation routes.
The bigger picture
Despite natural challenges which often affect the Mediterranean, millions of tourists visit safely every year, and Crete specifically is known as one of Europe's most common zones for earthquakes.
Seismologist, Dr Nikolaos Melis, Director of Research at the Institute of Geodynamics, part of the National Observatory of Athens told Euronews: "For people who are not aware it can be frightening, and whilst it is not impossible for a big earthquake, most buildings and hotels follow a strict building code that protects them from damages.
"Greece has got the highest seismic activity in Europe and next to Turkey we have two countries with very high activity. But as I said, the big magnitudes, the catastrophic magnitudes, are very rare."
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