According to initial measurements by the geodynamic institute of the Greek capital, it had a magnitude of 5.3 and occurred at 7:02 a.m. local time (6:02 a.m. CEST). The epicenter of the quake was about 18 kilometers below the seabed, about 60 kilometers south of the south coast of the island, near the small port town of Paleochora.
This was preceded by numerous smaller earthquakes in this region. The civil defense did not initially say whether there were any casualties or damage to buildings, for example. A tsunami warning was not issued.
“We are observing the phenomenon and cannot yet say whether this was the main earthquake,” seismologist Gerasimos Chouliaras told Greek broadcaster ERT. Local media reporters reported that there were initially no reports of injuries. However, many people were woken from their sleep. The quake was felt in large parts of Crete, the broadcaster reported.
Beneath the seabed south of Crete, the African and European plates collide, repeatedly causing strong earthquakes.
