A magnitude
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit offshore from Crete on Thursday morning.
, as the vibrations were experienced throughout the Greek island and the Aegean Sea area.
Authorities have
no reports of significant injuries or building damages were made
Apart from some small landslides and debris, particularly close to Crete’s main city, Heraklion.
Even though independent seismologists have issued tsunami alerts, Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation states that tsunamis are improbable because of its offshore position and depth.
The island of Crete stands out as one of Europe’s
most common zones for earthquakes
This latest seismic event occurred just a week following an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 that hit the waters off the east coast of Crete, shaking regions as distant as Egypt.
The island is a cherished getaway for visitors who often start arriving at the Greek island once the summer season starts.
This destination is renowned as a vacation spot because of its unspoiled shores, bustling resorts, deep historical heritage, and distinctive natural terrains frequently traversed via treks and pathways. A notable walking route, the Imbros Gorge in Sfakia, was briefly shut down for tourists’ protection following an earthquake occurrence.
This is what we currently understand about the earthquake.
Is traveling to Crete, Greece, considered safe?
The EMSC, or Euro-Méditerranéen Centre for Seismology, is an independent scientific institution.
issued a warning
of potential tsunami activity, stating 15 minutes after the earthquake that people should “move away from the coast and reach a higher place. Follow national authorities’ directives.”
“After-shocks might happen over the coming hours or days. To ensure your safety, avoid the affected regions unless absolutely essential. Stay cautious and adhere to guidance provided by national authorities,” the organization cautioned.
The Greek fire service stated in a press statement that all civil defense units were promptly activated; however, up until now, the fire department hasn’t gotten any distress calls yet remains at elevated readiness levels.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office presently does not possess any
travel advice
Concerning Crete or Greece in general, indicating that it ought to be secure for visitors to explore the nation and its various islands.
Minor landslides and debris were spotted, particularly close to Heraklion; however, officials haven’t mentioned any significant injuries or building damages.
Regional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that “there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage” following initial examinations of the areas affected by the earthquake.
Where was the earthquake?
The earthquake hit north of the Greek island of Crete at 6:19 am local time on Thursday, May 22.
The earthquake occurred approximately 60 kilometers northeast of the Greek island, with multiple geological assessments indicating its depth ranged between 37 and 87 kilometers.
Seismic tremors were experienced across a distance of more than 700 kilometers by roughly 13 million individuals in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, and Lebanon, according to the EMSC.
People in eastern Crete mentioned on the EMSC website that they experienced the shaking, with several noting that it jolted them awake as their beds began to move; however, no evacuations were necessary.
Is a tsunami likely?
Efthymios Lekkas, who leads Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, stated that the quake’s occurrence underwater and its considerable depth reduce the likelihood of a resulting tsunami.
As reported by the Greek daily
Ta Nea
, Mr Lekkas explained that the earthquake occurred at a significant depth, making it less likely to cause severe surface damage.
He mentioned that the earthquake occurred at the boundary where the African and European tectonic plates meet.
Vasilis Karastathis, who leads the Geodynamic Institute, additionally stated
OPEN television
“We anticipated an updated solution would be released; this event occurred 60 kilometers beneath the surface and doesn’t present a risk at that depth and distance from both Lasithi and the coastline.”
“There isn’t an issue. Although we’ll examine the aftershocks, I doubt they will be significant. Given this quake’s nature, we anticipate minimal follow-up activity. Therefore, there’s no reason for concern,” he stated.
“When it becomes extensive, the depth reveals the expanse, which is why it was perceived in Attica and had considerable magnitude,” he explained.
Could other Greek islands be in danger?
As of Thursday morning, neither the islands nor the mainland, nor any other countries have experienced injuries or significant property damage.
Earthquakes have historically impacted this region due to its susceptibility to seismic events. Not long ago, an earthquake measuring 5.9 in magnitude occurred offshore from the eastern part of Crete, specifically affecting areas close to the islands of Kasos and Karpathos—smaller landmasses located along Crete’s eastern coastline in the Mediterranean Sea—at a depth of 35 kilometers.
Exceptionally high volumes of activity also
jolted the frequented tourist destination of Santorini
several weeks earlier this year.
Crete stands out as one of the frequently affected areas in Europe when it comes to earthquakes. Just a few weeks before an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 rattled the island in October 2021, another powerful tremor resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries.
Greece lies along the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it typical to experience seismic activity in the region.
Greece boasts numerous islands, approximately 227 of which have residents. The biggest island both in terms of size and population is Crete. These islands can be categorized into distinct groups like the Argo-Saronic Islands, Cyclades, North Aegean Islands, Dodecanese, Sporades, and Ionian Islands.
Are flights cancelled?
The Heraklion International Airport on Crete also reports no cancellations or disturbances to its flight timetable, according to information provided by FlightRadar.
The Chania International Airport, located on the same island, hasn’t experienced any considerable interruptions to its flight operations.
May I proceed with cancelling my vacation?
Since the Foreign Office hasn’t issued an advisory against non-essential trips to Greece, there won’t be any specific conditions allowing you to cancel your trip for a complete refund.
The rules for canceling your vacation depend on your travel supplier, so it’s advisable to reach out to them if you’re considering rescheduling.
Companies are under no duty to reimburse cancellations if you decide to back out, and you won’t be eligible for travel insurance based on security worries unless the Foreign Office modifies its guidance.
When considering travel insurance, certain policies offer coverage for natural disasters that might stop you from getting to your vacation spot. Review your insurance plans and consult with your provider to understand your position.
To stay updated with additional travel news and tips, tune into Simon Calder’s podcast.
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