Powerful Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Rocks Crete, Greece

A significant magnitude 6.0 earthquake has struck off the eastern coast of Crete, Greece, sending tremors across the popular holiday island and beyond. The powerful seismic event occurred at 9:15 am local time (7:15 am BST), prompting alarm among residents and tourists alike. Initially reported as a magnitude 6.4 by the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake's epicentre was pinpointed approximately 24 miles east of the town of Siteia, at a shallow depth of just 4.9 miles.

The force of the earthquake was widely felt throughout Crete, from its easternmost reaches to the bustling capital, Heraklion.

Reports quickly emerged of buildings shaking violently, causing some individuals to rush out into the streets seeking safety. The tremors were so far-reaching that they were even felt as far away as Athens on the Greek mainland, highlighting the sheer power of the seismic activity.

While initial reports did not immediately confirm serious injuries or fatalities, there were widespread accounts of structural damage.

Rockfalls were reported in various areas, and older buildings, including churches and houses, sustained damage. In some parts of eastern Crete, the earthquake led to power cuts, adding to the disruption and concern felt by the local population.

Following the initial shock, authorities issued a warning regarding a potential tsunami.

However, this was later downgraded by the Greek Geodynamic Institute, which confirmed that a significant tsunami event was unlikely. Despite this reassurance, several aftershocks followed the main quake, with the strongest recorded at a magnitude of 4.1, keeping residents on edge.

This latest seismic event comes just weeks after another major earthquake, also a magnitude 6.0, hit Crete in September 2021.

That earlier quake tragically resulted in one fatality and caused substantial damage, including the collapse of a monastery. The recent succession of powerful tremors underscores the region's susceptibility to seismic activity and the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness among its inhabitants.