Strong A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.3 rattled the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday afternoon, sending tremors across one of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations. The seismic event, which occurred shortly after 4:20 PM local time (6:50 PM IST), struck in the sea between Crete and the smaller island of Antikythera, causing alarm for residents and thousands of international tourists enjoying the summer season.
The Geodynamic Institute of Athens reported that the quake’s epicenter was located approximately 22 kilometers southeast of Antikythera. It originated from a considerable depth of about 45 kilometers beneath the seabed. Despite its offshore location, the energy released was significant enough to be felt distinctly across western Crete. In the picturesque city of Chania, a central hub for tourism, reports flooded in of buildings swaying and a low, rumbling tremor that lasted for several seconds, abruptly disturbing the mid-week calm.
“It was a deep and strong jolt,” one resident told Greek media outlets. “The lights in our apartment started swinging quite a bit. It was unsettling because it felt powerful, even if it was brief.” Similar accounts emerged from across the region, describing the ground moving and household items rattling, a sudden reminder of the powerful geological forces at play beneath the tranquil Mediterranean scenery.
Authorities on High Alert as Situation Monitored
In the immediate aftermath, emergency services and civil protection agencies moved to a state of heightened vigilance. Thankfully, initial assessments have brought a wave of relief, as there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Local authorities are continuing to survey the region, particularly older buildings and infrastructure in coastal towns, as a precautionary measure.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, as is standard procedure for any seismic event of this magnitude,” a spokesperson for the Greek Civil Protection Agency stated. “While earthquakes are a known phenomenon in Greece, any tremor registering above a magnitude of 5.0 automatically triggers a higher level of preparedness. Our primary concern is public safety.”
The risk of aftershocks remains, and officials are prepared to respond to any further developments. This state of alert is a well-practiced routine in a country that sits at a dynamic geological crossroads.
🥲 The earthquake was very strong and quite close to the epicenter. I am safe, but the building has cracks.
คนนึงนึกว่าเมากาแฟ อีกคนนึกว่าจะเป็นลม โทษกายหยาบตัวเองก่อนเลย pic.twitter.com/j53iwSuzsc— 🌗MICZKIE🔜XX.08 Pending💙✨️ (@Miczkiecos) March 28, 2025
A Region Shaped by Seismic Activity
The island of Crete and the surrounding Hellenic Arc are located in one of Europe’s most seismically active zones. The region marks the complex boundary where the African tectonic plate slowly converges with and slides beneath the Eurasian plate. This process, known as subduction, builds up immense stress in the Earth’s crust, which is periodically released in the form of earthquakes.
The memory of past events looms large in the public consciousness. In September 2021, a stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck central Crete, resulting in one fatality, several injuries, and widespread damage to thousands of homes and buildings. That event served as a stark reminder of the potential danger. While today’s quake was less powerful, it has nonetheless refocused attention on the region’s seismic vulnerability.
Advice Strong for Tourists: Stay Calm and Informed
Crete is a cornerstone of the Greek tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors annually with its stunning beaches, rich Minoan history, and vibrant culture. Among them are large numbers of tourists from across Europe, including many Swedes for whom the island is a perennial favourite.
Please keep Greece in your prayers 🙏🏻🇬🇷🫶🏻
More than 200 earthquakes have hit the area near the island of Santorini since early Friday leading authorities to be on high alert; opting to shut down schools, dispatch rescue teams with K-9s, and have encouraged mass evacuations. pic.twitter.com/HMEbIcnGzC
— Nicole Omholt (@NicoleOmholt) February 4, 2025
News of the earthquake spread quickly through resorts and hotels. Authorities are emphasizing that there is no cause for panic but are strongly advising all visitors to remain vigilant and follow Strong official guidance. Tourists are advised to monitor local news broadcasts and follow any instructions issued by Strong hotel management or local authorities. Staying informed through reliable channels is the most effective way to ensure safety in a seismically active area.
For now, a cautious calm has been restored. As Strong evening descends on Crete, emergency teams remain on standby, ensuring the well-being of both the island’s residents and the many visitors who make it their temporary home.
