Greece Rocked by 6.0-Magnitude Earthquake, Tsunami Alert Issued for Crete

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Crete, Greece, with its epicenter located 56 kilometers north-northeast of Heraklion at a depth of 60.3 kilometers, according to the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens. The tremor, felt across the Aegean islands including Rhodes and Kos, as well as parts of mainland Greece, triggered widespread concern. Authorities issued a precautionary tsunami warning for Crete’s eastern coast and nearby islands, urging residents and tourists to seek higher ground. No immediate casualties or major structural damage were reported, but the quake disrupted morning routines, with locals in Heraklion describing intense shaking. Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, noted that the quake’s offshore location and depth likely reduced its surface impact.

Tsunami Concerns and Immediate Response
The Samaria Gorge, a popular tourist destination in Crete, was temporarily closed for safety inspections to check for rockfalls. Emergency services, including police and fire departments, were mobilized to assess infrastructure, particularly in Heraklion and Chania. The tsunami warning was lifted after initial assessments confirmed no immediate wave activity, though monitoring continues. This quake follows a 6.1-magnitude tremor near Kasos on May 14, 2025, which also prompted tsunami alerts but caused minimal damage. Social media posts on X captured local anxiety, with users sharing real-time updates and relief at the absence of significant harm.

Greece’s Seismic Vulnerability
Greece lies on the fault line between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of Europe’s most earthquake-prone regions. Crete has a history of destructive quakes, including a 5.8-magnitude event in September 2021 that killed one person and damaged hundreds of homes near Heraklion. Lekkas clarified that the May 22 quake is unrelated to recent seismic activity in Santorini or Turkey, originating from the African-Eurasian plate boundary. Authorities remain vigilant for aftershocks, with no major damage reported so far. Greece’s robust seismic monitoring and public awareness campaigns, including advice to drop, cover, and hold during quakes, are critical for safety. The incident underscores the need for continued preparedness in this geologically active region.