An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck the western part of Crete, a popular tourist island in Greece, early this morning.
No Tsunami Warning
The quake occurred at 7:02 AM local time (6:02 AM CEST) and was centered approximately 18 kilometers beneath the seabed, about 60 kilometers south of the island’s southern coast, near the small port town of Paleochora.
The tremor follows a series of smaller seismic activities in the region, which is known for its geological volatility.
The Geodynamic Institute in Athens initially reported the quake's magnitude and location but has yet to confirm whether this event was the primary earthquake or if aftershocks are expected. No tsunami warning was issued.
No Injuries or Damage
Gerasimos Chouliaras, a seismologist, mentioned to Greek state broadcaster ERT that authorities are closely monitoring the situation but cannot yet determine if this was the main seismic event, according to tag24.
Local media reports indicate that there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage to buildings, though the earthquake did wake many residents from their sleep. The shaking was felt across much of Crete.
Crete's location is geologically significant as it sits at the convergence of the African and European tectonic plates. This tectonic boundary is known for generating strong earthquakes.
The Greek Civil Protection has not yet reported any casualties or structural damage, and the situation is being closely observed to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. The island remains on alert as further assessments are conducted to gauge the full impact of the quake.
