Earthquake on Crete rips people from their sleep
After numerous smaller earthquakes in the region, the Earth was felt to have shaken in the morning in the western part of the Greek island of Crete. No information is available yet regarding casualties. However, it is still unclear if this was the main quake.
An earthquake shook the western part of the tourist island of Crete. According to initial measurements by the Geodynamic Institute of the Greek capital Athens, it had a magnitude of 5.3 and occurred at 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.
Preceding this were numerous smaller earthquakes in the region. The Civil Protection did not initially report any casualties or damage 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 Greek radio ERT.
Local media reporters reported that there had been no reports of injuries yet. Many people were reportedly woken up by the quake. The quake was reportedly felt in wide parts of Crete. Under the seabed south of Crete, the African and European plates collide, resulting in frequent strong earthquakes.
The International Seismic Center has recorded the 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Greece. Widespread concern is being expressed internationally, given Crete's popularity as a tourist destination.
