A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck at 1:51 AM on Wednesday in the sea area between Kasos and Karpathos.
According to the revised data from the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, the epicenter was located 19 km south-southeast of Kasos, with a focal depth of 62.5 kilometers.
The tremor was felt in Limassol and Paphos, Cyprus, as reported by the state broadcaster.
The strong seismic activity caused concern among residents of the southern Aegean islands and eastern Crete, where it was particularly noticeable.
Despite the relatively large distance of Heraklion from the epicenter, the earthquake was perceived as three undulating “waves” lasting at least 15 seconds.
The quake was also felt in parts of Attica and along the Turkish coast.
Initial reports indicate no damage.
Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), stated on ERT that the main characteristic of this significant tremor is its focal depth of 60 kilometers. This depth means that the seismic energy reached Kasos and Karpathos in a diminished state and even more so in Crete, resulting in no significant impacts according to initial data and residents’ descriptions.
He also emphasized that due to its depth, this earthquake is not expected to have a rich aftershock sequence. “Such earthquakes occur as singular events,” he noted.
He added that “the earthquake occurred essentially on the Hellenic arc and is not connected to the earthquakes in the Cyclades or Turkey.”
Tsunami warning issued
At 2:36 AM, residents of Kasos, Karpathos, and eastern Crete received a tsunami warning message from the 112 emergency service, advising immediate evacuation from coastal areas.
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Also read: 4.1 magnitude earthquake hit west of Falasarna in Crete
