A strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Neapoli, Lasithi in Crete, alarming local residents and even being felt as far away as Attica.
Local media reported that the quake jolted individuals from their sleep, accompanied by a loud rumbling. Many residents evacuated their homes for safety.
Video footage showcased the earthquake’s intensity, with power lines and vehicles swaying amid the deep rumble.
Watch the video:
Additionally, supermarket items fell from shelves, leading to damage.
Nine Aftershocks Recorded
Following the main quake, nine aftershocks were detected, ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 magnitudes.
Fire Services on Alert
Crete’s fire services are currently on high alert, with patrol vehicles actively monitoring the situation.
Reports indicated minor landslides along provincial roads and small sections of buildings collapsing, particularly on 25th August Street in Heraklion. Regional and municipal authorities are maintaining a heightened state of alert.
Building Segment Collapses in Heraklion
A portion of a building collapsed on the pedestrian street of 25th August Street in Heraklion. The municipal police have cordoned off the area as inspections continue throughout the city.
School Safety Inspections
Authorities in Heraklion and Lasithi have initiated immediate inspections of schools, with no concerns reported thus far.
The Municipality of Heraklion issued a statement saying:
“All municipal services are on standby following the strong earthquake on Thursday morning, May 22. Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos has been in contact with Professor Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), and local authorities to evaluate the situation.”
Insights from Seismologists
Efthymios Lekkas, President of OASP, noted:
“The earthquake occurred at a significant depth, which likely means no tsunami will follow. Additionally, we do not anticipate serious damage in Crete.”
Thanasis Ganas, Director of Research at the Geodynamic Institute, characterized it as a typical intermediate-depth earthquake, situated far from Santorini.
“These types of earthquakes are felt over large distances due to the propagation of seismic waves,” he explained, indicating that only a few aftershocks are expected.
Seismologist Akis Tselentis shared with SKAI:
“This was the main shock. The area has been seismically active with micro-earthquakes for the past two years. The tremor was felt across southern Greece as it occurred above the subducting section of Crete’s solid plate, enabling widespread wave propagation.”
He added:
“I anticipate a few aftershocks, possibly around 5 on the Richter scale, but believe there will be no significant consequences.”
Second Tremor 15 Minutes Later
Fifteen minutes after the initial 6.1 quake, a second tremor measuring 3.1 struck the same area, with its epicenter 53 km north of Neapoli, Lasithi, at a depth of 59.4 km.
