an earthquake in Greece in the early hours of this morning, measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, targeting the island of Crete in the south of the country, according to what was announced by the official authorities responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the region.
Details of the Crete earthquake
The Athens Geodynamic Institute, the primary seismological authority in Greece, reported that the earthquake occurred at precisely 12:33 a.m. local time. Data released by the institute indicated that the epicenter was located underwater, approximately 56 kilometers west of the coastal city of Paleochora, on the western part of Crete.
Technical reports indicated that the earthquake was of medium depth, striking at a depth of 29.5 kilometers below the seabed, which explains why the residents of coastal areas felt the tremor clearly, without it having immediate destructive effects on the surface.
Geological background: Why are there so many earthquakes in Greece?
Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe, due to its complex geological location. The country, and specifically the island of Crete, lies on the Hellenic Arc, an active fault line where the African and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
The African Plate is slowly moving northward, subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate (Aegean Sea), generating immense pressure in the Earth's crust that is periodically released in the form of tremors and earthquakes. This location makes southern Greece, particularly the region stretching from Kefalonia in the west to Rhodes in the east, including Crete, a hotspot for ongoing seismic activity.
History of seismic activity and its impact
Although earthquakes are frequent in this region, most occur deep underwater or are of moderate magnitude and do not cause significant damage. Over the decades, Greece has developed very strict earthquake-resistant building codes, which has contributed significantly to reducing human and material losses compared to other countries located in similar seismic zones.
Experts point out that today's 4.8 magnitude earthquake falls within the region's routine activity. Earthquakes of less than 5.5 magnitude usually do not cause significant structural damage to modern buildings in Greece, but they remain a constant reminder of the region's geological nature.
Current situation and losses
As of the time of writing, no official statements have been issued by local authorities or civil defense teams regarding casualties or injuries among the population. No significant material damage to infrastructure or buildings in the city of Paleochora or the surrounding villages in western Crete has also been reported. Authorities continue to monitor the situation for any aftershocks that may follow the main earthquake, a routine procedure in such cases to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists on the island.
