Latest news with #GiorgosTsapakos
22-05-2025
- Climate
6.1-magnitude earthquake jolts Greek islands with no reported injuries
ATHENS, Greece -- An undersea 6.1-magnitude earthquake scale struck off the Greek island of Crete early Thursday and was felt across the Aegean Sea, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage. The quake occurred some 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of the island, according to the Geodynamics Institute of Athens at a depth of 37 kilometers (23 miles) beneath the seabed. Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that 'there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage' following initial assessments of the affected areas. The shock was felt extensively across islands throughout the Aegean Sea. Earthquake and Planning Protection Organization director Efthymios Lekkas noted that deeper earthquakes typically cause less surface damage.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- The Independent
Crete earthquake mapped: Where the magnitude 6.1 quake was most intense
Tourists in Crete were shaken and buildings damaged after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the north-east coast in the early hours of Thursday morning. The quake struck at 6.19 local time (3.19am GMT), roughly 60 kilometres north-east off the Greek island, with various geoscientific survey agencies reporting its depth from between 37 and 87 kilometres deep. Tremors were felt across islands in the Aegean Sea, including in parts of Turkey and Israel, while residents and visitors to Crete awoke to tremors, and some described to daily Greek newspaper Ethnos hearing a loud roar following the tremors. Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation director Efthymios Lekkas noted that deeper earthquakes typically cause less surface damage. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre earlier issued a tsunami warning following the quake. Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that "there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage" following initial assessments of the affected areas. Emergency services were on high alert following the quake, but the fire brigade said it had not received any calls for assistance and so far there had been no reports of serious damage. A landslide in the Viannos municipality threw rocks and debris across a road near Tertsa, with a clean-up crew already sent out to clear the damage, Cretapost reported. School buildings across the island of Crete were inspected for damage, local media reported, but no issues had been reported but some school trips had been cancelled as a precaution. A central road in the Cretan port city of Iraklio was cordoned off after chunks of cracked plaster from a damaged and abandoned building crashed to the ground. Images and video from Crete show grocery items strewn across shop floors following the quake. The mayor of Arkalochori told Cretapost that no problems were caused in his municipality, and schools would remain open as usual. 'This earthquake was a piece of cake for us,' he told the publication. Civil protection minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis was travelling to Crete to inspect the earthquake's damage. "Fortunately, initial reports indicate that due to its significant depth, there has been no major damage," he told reporters outside Athens before he left. Greece is one of the most seismically active regions in Europe, situated along a complex fault boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. While most quakes are mild, stronger ones – such as the deadly 2021 quake also centred near Crete – have caused damage in the past.
Metro
22-05-2025
- Metro
Is it safe to travel to Greece? Tsunami warning after earthquake hits Crete
A number of Greek islands, including Crete and Santorini have been hit by a powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake, prompting tsunami warnings. The epicentre of the quake was recorded 36 miles off the coast of Elounda, Crete, with tremors felt across the region. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) has now issued a tsunami warning covering Greece, Turkey, Italy, France and Portugal. No injuries or major damage has been reported so far, however, Greek authorities have issued a national directive ordering locals and tourists to 'move away from the coast and reach a higher place'. Greece is one of Europe's most earthquake-prone countries. Just last week, the country issued another tsunami warning after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the island of Kasos. The University of Athens' seismology lab recorded more than 18,000 minor tremors between January and February alone. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The tremor occurred off the eastern coast of Crete, near Elounda. Residents shared on the EMSC website that the tremor woke them up as their beds began to shake, though no evacuation orders were issued. The earthquake was 43 miles deep, and according to the US Geological Survey, but Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation director Efthymios Lekkas, deeper earthquakes typically cause less surface damage. Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos said 'there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage after the quake struck shortly before 9am local time (6am GMT) today, but the Greek fire brigade said all of its forces on Crete are on high alert'. Tremors have been felt in Turkey and Egypt, and the Greek Institute of Geodynamics has recorded 19 smaller quakes ranging from 1.3 to 3.5 magnitude since then. The institute has recorded 104 instances of seismic activity in the last 24 hours. A cluster of them happened around the same location as the 6.1 magnitude quake, and some have also occurred in the sea around the islands of Fira and Amorgos and the Greek mainland. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video At this point, there are no disruptions or cancellations to inbound flights to Greece. However, travellers heading to the island should check with their airlines before departure for any updates. The UK Foreign Office warns tourists to stay alert to natural disasters in Greece. They say: 'The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorina (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, and call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.' Tsunamis don't always follow earthquakes; however, when a warning is issued, it's important to stay alert. Greece's Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection advises: 'Stay away from seaside areas until you are informed by the competent authorities that the danger is over. 'A tsunami is not a single wave but a series of waves with different times of arrival at the seashore. 'Do not approach the shore in order to watch a tsunami coming. When you see the tsunami coming, it will probably be too late to avoid it.' Greece is one of Europe's most earthquake-prone countries. Its position between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates means seismic activity is common. Last week, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Greece, sparking another temporary tsunami warning and fears that the islands of Crete and Rhodes may not be safe to visit. Recently, the popular island of Santorini – which is also battling with the effects of overtourism – experienced a surge in unprecedented tremors. In February, an earthquake struck, which measured 5.2 on the Richter scale. Thousands were forced to evacuate. In October 2021, Crete was rocked by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. A month before, an earlier quake devastated villages near the Cretan capital of Heraklion. It damaged hundreds of homes and left many families displaced. The deadly tremor killed one person and injured dozens more. In terms of Wednesday's earthquake, Greek seismologist Efthymis Lekkas said it was an isolated event, unrelated to the Santorini activity and recent quake in Turkey. He told state broadcaster ERT: 'There is neither a notable foreshock sequence nor a significant series of aftershocks – these types of quakes typically occur as single events. 'There is absolutely no link to the seismic events in Santorini – the geotectonic context is entirely different – and there is no connection whatsoever to the earthquake in Turkey.' In the event of an earthquake, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says you should drop to the floor, cover your head, and hold on to a fixed object. More Trending Stay where you are if you're inside a building, but don't shelter under door frames. As above, head to higher ground if you're by the coast. The FCDO recommends following local evacuation or sheltering advice, as aftershocks can be common. For British nationals affected, the FCDO will set up a specific crisis response. This can include a dedicated hotline or online registration where you can apply for assistance. Travellers should visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection to see where their nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency. To stay informed of events when you are in Greece, you can register for alerts from the Greek government's Emergency Communication Service. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: What you should do if there's an earthquake when you're abroad MORE: Tsunami warning after Crete shaken by huge 6.1 earthquake MORE: Is it safe to travel to France? Latest advice after 'truly violent' floods and rainstorms
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Crete earthquake: Tsunami warning issued and British tourists terrified as magnitude 6 quake hits islands in Greece
A tsunami warning has been issued after a magnitude 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck southern Greek islands early on Thursday. The epicentre was in the sea 36 miles north-northeast of Elounda, which is on the northern coast of Crete. It was 43 miles deep, according to the US Geological Survey. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) issued a tsunami warning and referred people in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France and Portugal to their local authorities for updates. 🔔#Earthquake (#σεισμός) M3.0 occurred 75 km NE of #Irákleion (#Greece) 20 min ago (local time 07:32:13). More info at:📱 — EMSC (@LastQuake) May 22, 2025 The tremor was felt across the Aegean Sea, including in parts of Turkey and Israel. Residents in eastern Crete reported on the EMSC website that they felt the tremor, including some saying they woke up as their bed started shaking, but no evacuations were ordered. Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that "there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage" following initial assessments of the affected areas. The shock was felt extensively across islands throughout the Aegean Sea. British tourists caught up in the earthquake shared their experiences and fears. One British holidaymaker said on TikTok in the immediate aftermath: 'That was very scary. I was scared last time but this time I'm terrified ... That's been two earthquakes in the past week and I just want to get home safely. I just want to leave.' She said she was trying to reassure her children 'but now we're worried about a tsunami'. 'This is just my worst nightmare.' Another holidaymaker told TikTok followers: 'Excuse the state of me. I've just been woken up by a f***ing earthquake.' Fearing the tsunami warning, she added: 'I'm just looking at the sea now thinking, "does that look any different?"' Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation director Efthymios Lekkas noted that deeper earthquakes typically cause less surface damage. Greece sits on major fault lines and experiences frequent seismic activity. This is a developing story and is being updated.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tsunami warning issued after holiday hotspot rocked by 6.1 magnitude earthquake
A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the southern Greek islands early on Thursday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake's epicentre was located in the sea, 58 kilometres north-northeast of Elounda on the northern coast of Crete, at a depth of 69 kilometres. The tremor was widely felt across the Aegean Sea and as far afield as Egypt, Israel and Turkey. Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that "there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage" following initial assessments of the affected areas. Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation head Efthymios Lekkas explained that the depth of the quake likely reduced its impact on the surface. However, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) has issued tsunami alerts as a precaution. They said: "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)." Istanbul University geophysics professor Okan Tuysuz noted that while aftershocks of up to magnitude 5 are possible in the coming days, the risk of a tsunami remains low. He told Turkish media: "Tsunamis develop more in earthquakes that are especially close to the surface. It is possible for this earthquake to cause a tsunami, but the probability is low." Authorities have activated tsunami evaluation procedures for coastal areas, particularly holiday hotspots in southern Crete. Emergency response protocols have also been initiated in anticipation of any further seismic activity. In the aftermath of the quake, a number of smaller roads have been closed due to landslips, including the route between Myrtos and Tertsa in Crete, causing major traffic disruption, firefighters have said. The popular Imbros Gorge in Sfakia, an 11km canyon that attracts many visitors in the summer, has also been closed for the day as a precaution. This latest quake follows another strong tremor just last week, when a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck near the island of Kasos off southern Crete. That quake was also felt across the Aegean and as far as Israel and Egypt, but caused no significant damage. Greece and the Aegean islands are in one of the most seismically areas in all of Europe - making it more likely to experience earthquakes. This is because the country lies at the boundary of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates. It's also affected by the smaller Anatolian Plate, creating complex fault systems and frequent earthquakes. Mountainous terrain on Greece's islands also amplifies the impact of tectonic movements, making them more likely to be felt. Historically, the region has experienced devastating quakes. One of the most destructive, the 7.2 magnitude Great Kefalonia Earthquake of 1953, killed an estimated 800 people and destroyed nearly 90% of buildings on the island. It also triggered tsunamis and powerful aftershocks across the Ionian Islands, which lead to major changes to Greece's building codes to improve earthquake resilience.
