The Greek Government has issued a tsunami warning after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck off the island of Crete, with its impact felt as far away as Egypt, Turkey, and Libya in the early morning hours on Wednesday.
The quake was at a depth of 35 km (22 miles) near the island of Karpathos in the Mediterranean Sea, the Athens Geodynamic Institute said, prompting Greek authorities to issue a temporary tsunami warning.
The country’s Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said on X: “A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred 48km SE of Kasos. Risk of possible Tsunami in your area. Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities.”
Greece is one of Europe’s most earthquake-prone countries and an unprecedented level of seismic activity shook the popular tourist island of Santorini for weeks earlier this year.
No injuries or serious property damage has been reported following the earthquake, but authorities are urging people to remain vigiliant and are monitoring the situation.
The island of Crete is known as one of Europe’s most common zones for earthquakes. In October 2021, a 6.3 magnitude quake shook the island only weeks after a deadly tremor had killed one person and injured dozens.
