A strong earthquake struck near Paphos late Wednesday morning, 12 November 2025, shaking buildings across Cyprus and prompting precautionary evacuations.
According to preliminary data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake was recorded at 11:31 a.m. local time (09:31 UTC). Early automatic readings placed its magnitude at 5.7 at a depth of 1.1 kilometres, centred near Agios Dimitrianos in the Paphos district. A subsequent manual revision reported a magnitude of 5.2 at 16.6 kilometres depth.
The quake’s shallow depth caused it to be felt strongly across the Paphos district and parts of the interior. Reports of light shaking were recorded as far away as Limassol, Nicosia, and Larnaca, with residents in several towns saying buildings swayed and items fell from shelves.
Evacuations and aftershocks reported
In Paphos and surrounding areas, workplaces and schools were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. Early data indicates at least three aftershocks, measuring 3.5, 3.6, and 4.7, were detected within the hour following the main tremor.
No serious injuries or structural damage have been confirmed so far, but Civil Defence and Fire Service teams remain on alert. The Department of Geological Survey is monitoring the situation closely, while the Seismological Centre has classified the event as “strong but shallow.”
Felt across the island
Residents in Geroskipou, Kato Polemidia, Limassol, Germasogeia, and Nicosia all reported feeling the tremor, though intensity levels varied from light to moderate. Experts note that shallow earthquakes of this strength can feel particularly sharp near the epicentre, even when they cause limited damage.
Authorities continue to assess the situation, with EMSC and the Department of Geological Survey expected to issue further updates as additional seismic data becomes available. Residents are advised to remain cautious and follow any guidance from local authorities.
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