Crete earthquake latest: Aftershocks continue after 6.1 quake with tourist sites still closed
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said there would be additional aftershocks through the day, ‘but they are all harmless’
Aftershocks have continued through the day after a powerful magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred north-east of Crete on Thursday morning.
The powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Crete at 6.19am local time (3.19am GMT), according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences.
No injuries or major damage have been reported, but popular tourist spots the Samaria and Imbros gorges remained closed throughout Thursday as a precaution.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said on social media there would be some additional aftershocks through the day, “but they are all harmless”.
“Fortunately, the depth and distance from the island became a shield of protection again,” he said in a translation of his post.
The quake was felt across the Aegean Sea, reaching parts of Turkey and north Africa.
Shortly after the quake tourists were urged to “move away from the coast” after the tremors led to warnings of a possible tsunami in Greece and beyond - though the head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation said this was unlikely.
Crete is a seismological hotspot and while most quakes are mild, stronger ones – such as the deadly 2021 earthquake also centred near Crete – have caused damage in the past.
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The moment magnitude 6 Crete earthquake violently shakes bakery machines
Greece earthquake: CCTV captures moment magnitude 6 tremor strikes Crete coast
Crete earthquake: In Pictures
Residents heard a loud roar following the tremor
Residents of Crete described the moment the earthquake struck as both terrifying and surreal. According to Ethnos, the daily Greek newspaper, residents heard a loud roar followed the tremors, intensifying the sense of panic.
Many locals rushed outside, seeking safety as their homes rattled around them, the outlet reported.
Videos shared by local news outlet Creta Post captured the intensity of the quake – the ground visibly shaking, and that rumble echoing through the streets.
Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, there have been no major casualties.
Samaria and Imbros gorges to remain closed for hiking activity following tremor
The Samaria and Imbros gorges in Crete – popular hiking trails – will remain closed as a safety precaution following the strong earthquake that struck this morning, authorities said.
The tremor, which was felt across the island, has prompted authorities to temporarily restrict access to these popular hiking destinations, Creta Post reported.
The Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization in Greece announced that both entrances to the Samaria Gorge will be closed to visitors for the day.
In a statement, the agency said: “Due to the earthquake that occurred today, the gorge will remain closed to visitors from both entrances. A further announcement will be made later this afternoon.”
Mayor of Arkalochori, the town at the epicentre of 2021 devastating earthquake, says tremor was ‘piece of cake’
The mayor of Arkalochori in Crete — one of the worst-hit areas in the devastating 2021 earthquake – said that today’s 6.1 tremor was a “piece of cake” for the residents.
Vasilis Keggeroglou told Creta Post: “The earthquake had intensity but no acceleration and fortunately it had a large focal depth.”
He added: “This earthquake was a piece of cake for us.”
“There are no reports of problems that would lead to the closure of schools. We are continuing as normal,” Mr Keggeroglou said.
Arkalochori, a town in central Crete, was at the epicentre of a 6.0-magnitude earthquake in September 2021, which left one person dead and caused widespread destruction.
Thousands were forced into temporary shelters after the infrastructure collapsed in the region. The community of Arkalochori also endured weeks of aftershocks.
Everything we know about Greece earthquake and tsunami alert
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off northern Crete at 6.19am local time on Thursday.
The epicentre was 58km northeast of Elounda, at a depth of 69km.
A tsunami alert was triggered by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
Greek authorities advised everyone, including tourists, to move away from the coast and seek higher ground.
Authorities report no serious injuries or structural damage.
Some minor landslides and debris were noted, especially near Heraklion.
The quake was felt in Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. Its depth likely reduced surface impact.
Meanwhile, emergency services are on full alert with patrols active. Authorities remain cautious.
A 5.9 quake last week prompted a similar tsunami warning.
Crete is in a high seismic zone with deadly quakes in recent years.
No travel advisories have been issued, but tourists are urged to stay alert and follow official instructions.
Brits in Greece advised to turn on emergency alerts
The UK government urges British travellers and expats in Greece to activate emergency alerts on their smartphones.
These alerts provide real-time updates on severe weather events, including earthquakes and tsunamis.
On its website, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says: “Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, register for alerts from the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service) (in English).”
This is available on iPhones, Android phones and Samsungs:
- For iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the “Emergency Alerts” option at the bottom
- For Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
For Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the “Emergency Alerts” option.
Is it safe to travel to Crete? What you need to know
Crete is a beloved tourist destination, and many holidaymakers would have started to flock to the Greek island as the summer season begins.
From whether flights have been cancelled, here’s everything travellers need to know before heading there:
Is it safe to travel to Crete after earthquake and tsunami warning?
Mapped: Here's what has happened on Crete since the earthquake
Emergency services were on high alert after the early-morning earthquake on Crete, but officials said there were no reports of injuries or major damage.
Still, the serious earthquake prompted safety checks and preemptive alerts across the island.
Aftershocks continue after strong earthquake
Milder aftershocks have continued through the day after a powerful earthquake occurred north-east of Crete earlier this morning.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said on social media there would be some additional aftershocks through the day, “ but they are all harmless”.
“Fortunately, the depth and distance from the island became a shield of protection again,” he said in a translation of his post.
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