5.3 magnitude earthquake recorded off western Crete; no tsunami risk

VIENNA/ATHENS.- On Sunday, an earthquake of magnitude 5.3 shook the west of the Greek island of Crete, about 350 kilometers south of Athens, according to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens.

The earthquake, with its epicenter near the port city of Palaiochora and at a depth of about 18 kilometres, it took place at 07:02 local time (06:02 CET), according to measurements by this organisation.

The quake was preceded by numerous smaller magnitude earthquakes in the region.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at latitude 34.86 north; 23.27 east; at a depth of 31 kilometers.

“We are observing the phenomenon and we cannot yet say whether this is the main earthquake,” said the seismologist. Gerasimos Chouliaras to Greek radio ERT.

The station reports that although there were no injuries initially, the earthquake was felt across much of the island.

So far, the Greek Civil Defense has not reported any victims or damage to buildings and has indicated that the earthquake does not present a risk of generating a tsunami on the coast.

The African and Eurasian tectonic plates converge beneath the seabed south of Crete and are responsible for the frequent and strong earthquakes that occur in the region.

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