A 6.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded north of Crete, felt across much of Greece (and all the Aegean islands), causing only minor damage, with no reports of injuries. [1], [2]
The earthquake occurred about 56 kilometers (34 miles) north of Neapolis, Lasithi in Crete, at a depth of 37 kilometers (23 miles) below the seabed, according to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens.
So far, small landslides have been reported on the regional road network, and a small section of a building collapsed onto a pedestrian street in Heraklion.
Schools in the municipality of Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion will remain open, while the Imbros Gorge in Sfakia will be closed as a precaution.
Seismologists are reassuring, as the earthquake had a significant focal depth (about 60 km), and according to Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Organization for Antiseismic and Urban Planning Protection (OASP), no larger earthquake is expected. Mr. Lekkas also noted that deeper earthquakes typically cause fewer surface damages and lower the likelihood of a tsunami.
He added that “the earthquake was felt across about half of Greece, as the depth helps the seismic waves cover a larger area, making it felt more strongly.”
Giorgos Tsapakos, the Vice Governor of Crete responsible for Civil Protection, mentioned that he is in contact with OFYPEKA to conduct checks on the Samaria Gorge, and a decision is expected soon regarding whether the National Park will remain open or close for precautionary reasons.
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