Early on Wednesday, a powerful underwater earthquake on the Greek island of Crete issued a short tsunami warning, urging locals and visitors to avoid the coast. The 5.9-magnitude earthquake occurred 35 km below the Mediterranean Sea, close to the islands of Kasos and Karpathos.
The earthquake was felt over a large area, including areas of Egypt, even though there were no early reports of serious damage or injuries.
Shortly after the earthquake, Greek officials warned residents in coastal areas to move inland and stay alert. The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter), cautioning: “Risk of possible tsunami in your area. Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities.”
In this area, seismic activity is common. Greece is one of the most earthquake-prone regions of Europe since it is situated on the tectonic border between the African and Eurasian plates. Particularly in recent years, Crete has seen a number of large earthquakes, including a fatal series in 2021.
The tsunami warning is still in effect as a precaution, and authorities are still keeping an eye on the situation. Tourists and residents along the coast are encouraged to exercise caution until the risk has completely gone.
