On Tuesday morning, the Greek island of Crete was shaken by a strong Crete earthquake that sent residents into panic, triggered emergency responses, and caused alarm in neighbouring countries. At 7:45 a.m. local time, the quake, which had an initial Richter magnitude of 6.2, rocked structures and sent shockwaves across the eastern Mediterranean.
Its intensity was heightened by the reality that the quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 km, 23 km southeast of Heraklion, the island’s capital city. The earthquake was felt by island and nearby country dwellers.
Extreme Shaking
The earth shook vigorously, and citizens, displaying remarkable resilience, fled to open areas in Heraklion, Rethymno, and smaller towns all over the island. Shopkeepers shut up their stores, teachers evacuated classrooms, and individuals evacuated their homes. The quake, lasting 10 to 15 seconds, was so strong that it caused objects in homes and shops to fall over, walls to collapse, and streetlights to noticeably sway.
Having heard a deafening rumble, everything started shaking. Heraklion resident Maria Kouris stated, “I gathered my children and rushed outside.” “We were scared. It seemed stronger than any recent earthquake.”
Emergency Assistance
The moment the earthquake hit, the local government in Crete, demonstrating swift action, activated emergency measures. Search and rescue teams inspected vulnerable areas such as historic buildings, schools, and hospitals that suffered minor damage. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection deployed additional personnel and equipment to support local efforts.
While minor injuries such as sprains, bruises, and stress-related illnesses were treated by medical staff, evacuations were assisted by police officers and firefighters. While some public structures had collapsed ceilings and broken walls, there were no serious collapses.
No Fatalities
There were no deaths resulting from the earthquake, official sources said. Hospitals nearby treated over a dozen individuals with minor injuries, most of which the fall of objects or fright during the earthquake induced. Authorities noted that firm public consciousness and tight adherence to earthquake safety protocols prevented major casualties.
Civil Protection Chief Vassilis Papageorgiou said at a press conference, “We are relieved that no lives were lost.” Our crews are assessing damage and ensuring critical infrastructure is secure on the ground.
The aftershocks
Seismologists recorded several aftershocks hours after the initial earthquake, among which some reached magnitudes of 4.5 and greater. Authorities advised residents, from experts at the National Observatory of Athens, to avoid damaged buildings and exercise caution.
“‘It’s an area that lies over a complex tectonic fault,’ geophysicist Dr. Eleni Papadopoulou said. “Aftershocks from something like this will take days, sometimes weeks.’
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The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reports that seismological stations across Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, and Libya also registered the shock.
Infrastructure for the Public
Engineers and structural experts began inspecting schools, bridges, utilities, and ancient landmarks all over the island. Heraklion officials fenced off several ancient buildings, including sections of Venetian-era church walls, to assess their safety. Municipal authorities shut down public centres and suspended school classes until they completed safety checks.
Temporary power cuts and communication disruptions affected some parts of eastern Crete, but authorities cleared them within hours. Public transport services continued with additional safety precautions.
Tourism Industry
The tourism sector, which is a backbone of Crete’s economy, responded carefully but reported little disruption. Foreign tourists were reassured by hotel owners who conducted safety checks. Air and sea transportation went on as usual, said local authorities, and most tourist facilities reported minor damage.
“We activated emergency protocols and checked the safety of our guests,” said Yannis Daskalakis, manager of the resort near Elounda. “We kept guests updated during the day, and they remained calm.”
The Greek Government
In a live broadcast, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for calm and stressed preparedness. “We thank the people of Crete for their ongoing vigilance, and our response units acted swiftly,” he stated. “We will be helping affected local communities recover and will keep a close eye on the situation.”
The government encouraged the residents to follow its directives, avoid destroyed buildings, and prepare themselves for any possible aftershocks.
