Crete earthquake: Greece issues tsunami warning as 5.9 magnitude quake ‘felt in Egypt’

Greek authorities have told people to ‘move away from the coast immediately’

An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck off the island of Crete in Greece and was felt as far away as Egypt 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."

Details from from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) shows where the Crete earthquake hit (GFZ)

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.

Tom O’ Neill, a 26-year-old, from London, is currently in Crete for a holiday with his family. The 26-year-old says they had to cancel a trip to the beach due to the earthquake.

Describing the quake, he said: "I woke up and I felt really weird. I felt dizzy, and then I realised my bed was shaking and it wasn't just me. It started to become more aggressive with things falling off the shelf in my hotel room but it only lasted for about a minute."

A travel advisory for holidaymakers has also not been issued, meaning it should remain safe to travel to Greece and its islands. However, those intending to visit the East coast of Crete, Kasos or Karpathos may want to check for updates from Greek authorities on the situation.

Details from German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) shows that the epicentre of the earthquake was near the Greek islands of Kasos and Karpathos, in the Aegean Sea.

The island of Crete is known of 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.

As Greece sits at the line between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, it is common for seismic activity to be felt there. Small rumbles can often be felt beneath the earth, but major quakes remain an ever-present concern that are hard to prepare for.

Wednesday’s earthquake comes after Greece was battered by storms last month, with Crete hit hardest. Significant disruption was caused on tourist islands, many of which continue to recover from 2023’s devastating wildfires.