vacation island - An earthquake shakes up western Crete
A earthquake shook the western part of the tourist island Crete. According to initial measurements by the geodynamic Institute of the Greek capital, it had a magnitude of 5.3 and occurred around 7.02 am local time (6.02 am CET). The epicenter of the quake was approximately 18 kilometers under the seabed, about 60 kilometers south of the southern coast of the island, near the small harbor town of Paleochora.
There had been numerous smaller earthquakes in this region prior to this. The civil protection did not initially report if there were casualties or damages to buildings. A tsunami warning was not issued.
"We are observing the phenomenon and cannot yet say if this was the main quake," said seismologist Gerasimos Chouliaras to the Greek radio (ERT). Local media reporters reported that there had been no initial reports of injuries. However, many people were awakened by the quake. The quake was felt widely across Crete, reported the broadcaster.
Under the seabed south of Crete, the African and European plates collide, resulting in frequent strong earthquakes.
Despite the earthquake's impact being widely felt across Crete, tourism agencies in Greece are closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential impacts on upcoming vacations. The last major earthquake in the vicinity of Crete's Paleochora town was reportedly over a decade ago.
