A series of strong earthquakes struck off the southern coast of Greece on May 13, 2025, prompting tsunami warnings and causing widespread tremors across the eastern Mediterranean. The most significant quake registered a magnitude of 6.1, with reports of shaking felt as far away as Israel and Egypt.
Key Takeaways
- A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit near the island of Kasos, Greece, at 1:51 AM local time.
- Greek authorities issued a precautionary tsunami warning for southern coastal areas.
- Tremors were felt across multiple countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt.
- No significant damage or injuries have been reported so far.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as a 6.1 magnitude event, occurred at a depth of approximately 71 kilometers (44 miles). The epicenter was located about 24 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Fry, a small town on the island of Kasos, and 116 kilometers (72 miles) east of Ierapetra on Crete.
The quake was felt by an estimated 684,000 people, with varying degrees of intensity:
- Strong shaking: 3,000 people
- Moderate shaking: 3,000 people
- Light shaking: 684,000 people
Tsunami Warnings Issued
In response to the earthquake, Greek Emergency Management officials issued a precautionary tsunami warning, advising residents to move away from coastal areas. The warning particularly affected the islands of Kásos, Karpathos, and parts of southern Crete. Fortunately, as of the latest reports, no tsunami has been observed.
Regional Impact
The tremors were felt widely across the eastern Mediterranean, including:
- Greece: Islands of Crete, Kasos, and Karpathos experienced significant shaking.
- Israel: Residents in Tel Aviv reported feeling the quake.
- Egypt: Tremors were felt, but no damage or injuries were reported.
- Turkey and Lebanon: Light shaking was also reported.
Seismic Activity in the Region
Greece is situated in a seismically active region where the African and Eurasian tectonic plates converge, known as the Hellenic Arc. This area has a history of producing powerful earthquakes. In fact, earlier in 2025, over 20,000 seismic events were recorded in southern Greece and nearby Aegean islands, indicating heightened seismic activity.
Conclusion
While the recent earthquakes have caused alarm and prompted precautionary measures, the lack of significant damage or injuries is a relief to residents and authorities alike. As monitoring continues, updates will be provided to ensure public safety and awareness in this seismically active region.
Sources
- M6.1 earthquake south of Crete, Greece prompts tsunami warning, The Watchers – Watching the world evolve and transform.
- 6.1 magnitude earthquake reported near Greece: USGS, ABC News.
- Greece Earthquake: Strong 6.1 earthquake strikes off Greek island of Kasos, tremors felt across eastern
Mediterranean | World News, Times of India. - Powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes off coast of Greece, tsunami warning issued, New York Post.
