Greece Earthquake shakes western Crete

An earthquake has shaken the west of the tourist island of Crete. According to initial measurements by the Greek capital's Geodynamic Institute, it had a magnitude of 5.3 and occurred in the morning at 7.02 a.m. local time (6.02 a.m. CEST). The center of the quake was about 18 kilometers below the seabed around 60 kilometers south of the south coast of the island near the small port town of Paleochora.

This was preceded by numerous smaller earthquakes in this region. The civil defense did not initially say whether there were any victims or damage to buildings, for example. A tsunami warning was not issued.

"We are observing the phenomenon and cannot yet say whether this was the main quake," seismologist Gerasimos Chouliaras told Greek radio (ERT). Reporters from local media reported that there were initially no reports of injuries. However, many people were woken from their sleep. The quake was felt in large parts of Crete, the broadcaster reported.

The African and European plates meet under the seabed south of Crete. This repeatedly causes strong quakes.

SDA