Tsunami Alert Issued After Powerful Earthquake Near Crete

2025-05-15 global

Crete, Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
A strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit near Crete, Greece, sparking a tsunami warning. Greek authorities advise all to avoid coastal areas as aftershocks may follow, impacting local and tourist activities.

Magnitude and Immediate Response

A potent seismic event with a magnitude of 6.1 was registered near the Greek island of Crete late on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The earthquake occurred at 22:51 UTC, with its epicenter located approximately 24 kilometers southeast of Fry, a small town on the island of Kasos [5][7]. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially recorded the quake with varying reports citing magnitudes between 5.9 and 6.1 [1][2][3]. In the immediate aftermath of the quake, the Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued a tsunami warning advising residents and tourists alike to vacate coastal areas as a precautionary measure [2][5].

Impact and Safety Measures

The earthquake’s depth was estimated to be between 71 and 83 kilometers, according to different geological sources, causing significant shaking felt across a broad region, including parts of Egypt and Israel [5][7]. Approximately 684,000 people experienced light shaking, with several thousand feeling moderate to strong tremors [5]. Due to the potential threat of a tsunami and possible aftershocks, local authorities have advised people to avoid beaches and low-lying areas while emergency services remain on high alert [1][4]. The local tourism sector, vital to the area’s economy, has been impacted as popular destinations such as Crete have been placed on warning lists, and certain tourist attractions have been temporarily closed for safety evaluations [4][8].

Seismic Activity in Greece

Greece, situated at a tectonic crossroads between the African and Eurasian plates, frequently experiences seismic activity. The region around Crete is considered one of Europe’s most seismically active zones, making such events relatively common. Historical data indicate a long-standing pattern of seismic occurrences around these tectonic boundaries [5][7]. Notably, the island of Santorini and surrounding areas have witnessed a series of low-magnitude earthquakes earlier this year, emphasizing the persistent nature of seismic threats in the region [3][6].

Monitoring and Future Precautions

The aftermath of the earthquake has prompted a concerted monitoring effort by Greek and international seismological organizations to assess potential aftershocks and further seismic risks [5][7]. As data continues to be collected and analyzed, revisions to the earthquake’s magnitude and depth measurements may emerge, providing more accurate information for both local safety measures and scientific understanding [2][4]. Tourists planning to visit Crete and its nearby islands in the coming weeks are advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to any guidance issued by local authorities to ensure their safety [6][8].

Sources

earthquake tsunami