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Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Wales Online
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. Article continues below 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." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice Article continues below
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Warning signs tsunami is on the way, amid fears in Crete
After tremors hit the island of Crete leaving locals and holiday makers 'panicking' we take a look at how to spot a tsunami before it hits - as well as what to do in an emergency As tsunami warnings are in place after tremors hit the island of Crete, experts share key signs to look out for if one is going to approach. The 6.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded on the island this morning, prompting warnings from seismologists to "move away from the coast and reach a higher place" as a precaution. British holidaymakers have spoken of their 'panic' when the shaking first started, with many saying the 40-second quake woke them up when it struck around 6 am this morning. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre says tsunami alerts have been issued while the risk is assessed. "Depending on the distance of the earthquake from the coastline, the tsunami could be local (<100 km), regional (<1,000 km) or distant (>1,000 km)," they said in a statement. While we don't tend to get too many tsunamis, they do hit the UK occasionally, so it's important to prepare for one if you are by the coast. According to the American Geosciences Institute, the natural warnings that a tsunami is on its way include severe ground shaking from local earthquakes that may cause tsunamis. Another key indicator for when a tsunami approaches shorelines is that the water may recede from the coast, exposing the ocean floor, reefs and fish. There may also be abnormal ocean activity. An approaching tsunami may create a loud "roaring" sound similar to that of a train or jet aircraft. The institute declares that if you experience any of these warnings, don't wait for official evacuation orders; just immediately leave low-lying coastal areas and move to higher ground. According to the National Weather Service, there are several ways to prepare, but first, you need to make an emergency plan, which also includes a family communication plan. The NWS said it's also vital to have a portable disaster supplies kit that is easily accessible and contains basic items you may need in any emergency. Shortly before the Crete earthquake hit, CCTV footage showed a cat appearing to 'sense' something was wrong a couple of seconds before the earthquake began. The feline has been praised for its intuition after it was seen suddenly stopping in its steps, looking around suspiciously and doing a 180-degree turn while crossing a patio. By the time the shaking started, the kitty had already made a quick exit across the road. After the footage was shared on Facebook this morning, one admirer commented, " It's just amazing how animals can tell before it happens." Holidaymakers in Crete have been warned to steer clear of coastal areas amid the tsunami concerns and with travel abroad currently fraught with unpredictability, the specialists at are advising Brits to verify cancellation policies with their travel insurers if they're considering pulling out of their plans to travel to the area and seeking reimbursement.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
How severe is a magnitude-6 earthquake as Crete given tsunami warning
The earthquake struck off the coast of Crete in Greece this morning, with a magnitude of 6.1. A tsunami warning has been issued after an earthquake struck off the coast of Crete in Greece in the early hours of Thursday morning, May 22. The shock was felt extensively across islands throughout the Aegean Sea. The epicentre of the quake was in the sea 58 kilometres north-northeast of Elounda. According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre was 69 kilometres deep. It comes after a similar 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck last week near the island of Kasos. This latest tremor struck the north of Crete at 6.19am local time (3.19am GMT) today, and holidaymakers are being warned to stay alert. The Greek government has urged tourists to 'move away from the coast and reach a higher place' in case a tsunami follows the 6.1-magnitude quake. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) issued an official tsunami warning, telling the people of Greece, Turkey, Italy, France and Portugal to go to their local authorities for updates. But as the Crete earthquake makes headlines, questions are being raised on just how severe this tremor was. So, how serious is a 6-magnitude earthquake? Here's everything you need to know. How are earthquakes measured? BBC Bitesize explains that until recently, earthquakes were measured via a system called the Richter scale. The Richter scale measures an earthquake's magnitude, in other words, how powerful the tremor is. Magnitude is measured using a machine called a seismometer which produces a seismograph, and the Richter scale indicates how powerful the quake is on a scale of 1-10. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that an earthquake measuring magnitude 5 is ten times more powerful than an earthquake measuring 4. Earthquakes measuring 1-2 on the scale happen regularly, and they are so small that people cannot usually feel them. Earthquakes measuring upwards of 7 are less frequent but very powerful, and can cause serious destruction. Today, the magnitude of a quake is more commonly measured through the Moment Magnitude Scale - a method that uses the same logarithmic scale as Richter, but which more accurately measures the strength of larger earthquakes. How serious is a magnitude 6 earthquake and can it cause a tsunami? According to Michigan Tech, earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.1 to 6.9 "may cause a lot of damage in very populated areas". They also estimate that the planet sees around 100 earthquakes in this category per year. While a tsunami warning has been issued following the two recent 6.1-magnitute quakes near Crete, USGS explains that tremors with a magnitude less than 6.5 are unlikely to trigger a tsunami. To put this recent earthquake into context, the largest quake ever recorded was in Chile in 1960, which measured 9.5 on the Richter scale, and killed well over 1,000 people. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Time Out
22-05-2025
- Time Out
Is it safe to travel to Crete? Latest advice following 6.1 earthquake
It was only a week ago that we reported Crete and parts of Greece had been struck by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. At 6.19 am local time today, the popular summer holiday destination was hit again, this time by a 6.1 magnitude tremor. The country's position on the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates means it is prone to seismic activity, but the quick succession of these quakes is understandably concerning if you have a trip booked soon. So, read on for all the latest information on whether it is safe to travel to Crete right now. Where was the earthquake? According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the quake was in the Aegean Sea, 58 kilometres northeast of Elounda (a town in Crete). It had a significant depth of 69 kilometres. Residents in Crete reported to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre's website that they were awoken by shaking in their homes. The tremor was also reportedly felt by residents in Athens, and even as far as Israel, Türkiye, Egypt and Libya. Is it safe to travel to Crete? Thankfully, it seems the situation in Crete is not severe. A national directive issued by Greek authorities has urged people to reach 'higher places' and move 'away from the coast' as a precaution, and the island's fire brigade said all its forces were on high alert. However, no calls for assistance have been received so far, and there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage. Some of the provincial road network has experienced landslides, and some buildings in Heraklion have been damaged. Also, the Imbros Gorge, which is a popular hiking route in Sfakia, has been closed as a precaution. There's also a focus on ensuring school buildings are safe for students to attend. Has a tsunami warning been issued? Yes, the EMSC issued a tsunami warning and referred people in Greece, as well as Türkiye, Italy, France and Portugal, to closely monitor local news and follow the advice of authorities. However, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation, Efthimios Lekkas, said that thankfully, the earthquake's depth means that chances of a tsunami are low, according to the Independent. What is the advice from the UK Foreign Office? The Foreign Office has not published any advice recommending against travel to Greece, but its webpage does have a safety and security section which reads: '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. There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors in Greece. You should: familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake follow advice given by the local authorities call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, please visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English) and to see, for anywhere in Greece, where your nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency you can visit (map with text in Greek).' When was the last earthquake in the region?
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Daily Record
Brits in Greece urged to activate phone setting after 6.1 magnitude earthquake and tsunami warning
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Greek island of Crete today, prompting a tsunami warning to be issued for several countries in the region. British holidaymakers in Greece have been advised to activate a specific setting on their mobile phones following a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck early this morning. This smartphone alert system keeps individuals informed about any severe weather events. The quake was recorded 79 kilometres (49 miles) off the coast of Heraklion in Crete at 6.19am local time today. Residents in eastern Crete reported being woken up by the tremor, which was also felt on other Greek islands as well as in Turkey and Egypt. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre has now issued a tsunami warning covering Greece, Turkey, Italy, France and Portugal. The Greek government has advised everyone to "move away from the coast and reach a higher place" for their own safety. On its website, the Foreign Office recommends tourists in Greece to sign up for alerts from the Greek government's Emergency Communication Service. These alerts are provided in English language and sent directly to people's mobile phones. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated: "Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government's Emergency Communication Service) (in English)." This service is available on iPhones, Android phones and Samsung phones: Adding to the guidance, the FCDO alerted citizens regarding tsunamis that may arise post-earthquake. It said: "Tsunamis are very dangerous and will often cause widespread destruction, including to homes and infrastructure. "You may be at higher risk of a tsunami if you live in a low-lying coastal area or an island. You may be in danger during the event itself, such as being at risk of drowning or being crushed by debris, or after the event, where you are at increased risk of water-borne diseases like malaria or typhoid fever." Clarifying the potential scope of a tsunami, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre noted: "Depending on the distance of the earthquake from the coastline, the tsunami could be local (<100 km), regional (<1,000 km) or distant (>1,000 km)." As it currently stands no casualties have been reported and there appears no immediate structural damage. This natural phenomenon has struck mere days after Crete alongside Rhodes experienced the tremors of a 6.3 magnitude quake. Owing to its location at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, Crete is infamously prone to earthquakes. The FCDO added: "Once the event has happened, you should be aware of possible risks relating to damaged buildings or other infrastructure. Be aware that events in places away from where you are can still cause disruption, such as through loss of power, communications or transport services. "It may take time for airports to reopen and there may be serious shortages of accommodation, food, water and health facilities. It may be harder for you to receive help from humanitarian workers if it is difficult to access the area due to transport infrastructure damage or flooding."
