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.
Key Points
- Tsunami warning after magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes off Crete coast in Greece
- Move away from the coast and reach higher ground, government issues directive
- Everything we know about Greece earthquake and tsunami alert
- Where did the earthquake strike?
Is a tsunami likely?
Thursday 22 May 2025 21:01 , Athena StavrouEfthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation, said the earthquake’s location at sea and its significant depth have made a tsunami unlikely.
According to the Greek daily Ta Nea, Mr Lekkas explained that the earthquake occurred at a significant depth, making it less likely to cause severe surface damage.
He said the earthquake struck at the junction of the African and European tectonic plates.
Vasilis Karastathis, the director of the Geodynamic Institute, also told OPEN television: “We were expecting a revised solution to come out, it is 60 kilometres deep and does not pose a danger at such a depth and so many kilometres away from Lasithi and the coast.”
“There is no problem. We will also look at the aftershock sequence, but I do not think it will be intense. With these characteristics of the earthquake, we do not expect any aftershock sequence. There is no need to be concerned,” he said.
“When it is large, the depth opens up the distance, which is why it was felt in Attica and was quite large,” he added.
Mayor of Arkalochori, the town at the epicentre of 2021 devastating earthquake, says tremor was ‘piece of cake’'
Thursday 22 May 2025 20:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
How common are earthquakes in Greece?
Thursday 22 May 2025 19:37 , Athena StavrouEarthquakes are historically common in Greece, which lies around the boundary of the Eurasian tectonic plate and the Agean Sea plate.
The most recent earthquake over a magnitude 6 was a 6.4 magnitude quake in Lasithi, Crete, in October 2021.
Last Wednesday, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred about 48 kilometres south-east of Kasos, or directly east of Crete.
Watch: CCTV shows moment quake hits Crete
Thursday 22 May 2025 19:17 , Rachel ClunCould there be more earthquakes?
Thursday 22 May 2025 18:40 , Athena StavrouThere have been multiple aftershocks since a magnitude 6.1 earthquake was felt in Crete on Thursday morning.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said that “they are all harmless”, but the quake is the second strong one to hit Greece within days.
Last Wednesday, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred about 48 kilometres south-east of Kasos, or directly east of Crete.
Mr Papadopoulos said that the recent quakes showed that the lull in earthquake activity experienced around Greece since October 2021 appeared to be over.
Everything we know about Greece earthquake and tsunami alert
Thursday 22 May 2025 18:16 , Rachel ClunA 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.
More than 30 aftershocks have been recorded, the strongest being magnitude 3.5.
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.
A tsunami alert was triggered by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. No tsunami occured.
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 were issued, but tourists were urged to stay alert and follow official instructions.
University ceiling falls, museum exhibits shift in earthquake
Thursday 22 May 2025 17:18 , Rachel ClunDamage following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake has been largely minor, Greek authorities said.
At the University of Crete, images showed ceiling tiles collapsed in the computer department, Greek news outlet To Vima reported.
Staff from the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion said there were only small shifts within exhibits, of a couple of centimetres at most, with minimal damage to the building or its artefacts.
A couple of dilapidated buildings in Heraklion suffered some damage, with stone and plaster falling onto the street.
More than 30 aftershocks have been recorded
Thursday 22 May 2025 16:13 , Rachel ClunFollowing the 6.1-magnitude earthquake, more than 30 aftershocks have been recorded by the Greek Institute of Geodynamics.
The strongest aftershocks have measured 3.5 on the Richter scale.
Seismologists have told Greek media To Vima that they do not expect significant aftershocks.
Earlier, seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said the aftershocks would continue through Thursday, “but they are all harmless”.
Thursday's earthquake the second strong quake to hit Greece recently
Thursday 22 May 2025 14:52 , Rachel ClunThursday morning’s 6.1 magnitude quake off the coast of Crete is the second strong quake to hit Greece within days.
Last Wednesday, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred about 48 kilometres south-east of Kasos, or directly east of Crete.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos wrote on social media that the recent quakes showed that the lull in earthquake activity experienced around Greece since October 2021 appeared to be over, and experts would be studying the recent activity.
Earthquakes are historically common in Greece, which lies around the boundary of the Eurasian tectonic plate and the Agean Sea plate.
The most recent earthquake over a magnitude 6 was a 6.4 magnitude quake in Lasithi, Crete, in October 2021.
Mapped: Where the earthquake struck
Thursday 22 May 2025 14:51 , Rachel ClunIs it safe to travel to Crete?
Thursday 22 May 2025 14:24 , Rachel ClunIn short, it should be.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently does not have any travel advice regarding Crete or Greece as a whole, meaning it should be safe to travel to the country and its islands.
There were some minor landslides, and some roads in Heraklion have been cordoned due to damage to some abandoned buildings, but no other major damage has occurred.
Greek media outlet Ta Nea also reported that the popular Samaria and Imbros gorges will remain closed today.
In pictures: Damage in Heraklion from Crete earthquake
Thursday 22 May 2025 14:01 , Rachel Clun
Tourists walk past cordoned streets in Heraklion following the earthquake
Thursday 22 May 2025 13:36 , Rachel ClunTourists were out and about in the Crete city of Heraklion following the earthquake on Thursday morning.
Parts of the road were cordoned off due to rubble, with several older buildings damaged.
According to a municipal announcement, the damage reported thus far has primarily affected buildings that were already dilapidated.
Greek minister travelling to Crete to assess damage
Thursday 22 May 2025 13:16 , Rachel ClunGreece’s civil protection minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis is travelling to Crete to assess the damage from the earthquake.
"Fortunately, initial reports indicate that due to its significant depth, there has been no major damage," told reporters outside Athens before he travelled.
Rescue crews were sent to the island as a precaution, officials said.
Aftershocks continue after strong earthquake
Thursday 22 May 2025 12:54 , Rachel ClunMilder 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.
Mapped: Here's what has happened on Crete since the earthquake
Thursday 22 May 2025 12:29 , Rachel ClunEmergency 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.
Is it safe to travel to Crete? What you need to know
Thursday 22 May 2025 12:09 , Rachel ClunCrete 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?
Brits in Greece advised to turn on emergency alerts
Thursday 22 May 2025 11:50 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
Everything we know about Greece earthquake and tsunami alert
Thursday 22 May 2025 11:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarA 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.
Mayor of Arkalochori, the town at the epicentre of 2021 devastating earthquake, says tremor was ‘piece of cake’
Thursday 22 May 2025 11:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
Samaria and Imbros gorges to remain closed for hiking activity following tremor
Thursday 22 May 2025 10:50 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
A Strong Preliminary Magnitude 6.3 earthquake recently struck near Crete, Greece, at a depth of 15 km
— Chyno News (@ChynoNews) May 22, 2025
Multiple reports of strong shaking felt by residents.
Increased seismic activity continues throughout the region #earthquake #Greece #Emsc #σεισμός #Crete #Santorini pic.twitter.com/cDPjoNHJLy
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.”
Residents heard a loud roar following the tremor
Thursday 22 May 2025 10:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarResidents 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.
Crete earthquake: In Pictures
Thursday 22 May 2025 10:15 , Maroosha Muzaffar
The moment magnitude 6 Crete earthquake violently shakes bakery machines
Thursday 22 May 2025 09:50 , Rachel Clun
Greece earthquake: CCTV captures moment magnitude 6 tremor strikes Crete coast
Regional governor says no reports of injuries
Thursday 22 May 2025 09:31 , Associated PressRegional government official Giorgos Tsapakos told state-run television that "there are no reports of injuries or any serious damage" following initial assessments of the affected areas.
The Greek fire brigade said they had no calls for assistance shortly after the quake either.
The shock was felt extensively across islands throughout the Aegean Sea.
The epicentre was in the sea 36 miles north-northeast of Elounda, which is on the northern coast of Crete.
It was 43 miles deep, according to the US Geological Survey.
Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation director Efthymios Lekkas noted that deeper earthquakes typically cause less surface damage.
Popular hiking trail in Crete temporarily closed
Thursday 22 May 2025 09:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Imbros Gorge in Sfakia, a popular hiking trail in Crete, will remain closed as a precaution following the 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
The closure aims to ensure visitor safety after the seismic event, officials said.
According to Ethnos, a Greek daily newspaper, inspections are ongoing in nearby areas like the Samaria Gorge, with a decision pending on whether it will remain open or close temporarily.
Crete earthquake revives memories of Greece’s deadly 1953 disaster
Thursday 22 May 2025 08:50 , Maroosha MuzaffarToday’s 6.1 magnitude earthquake off the northern coast of Crete was a reminder of Greece’s long and volatile seismic history – one of the most devastating examples being the Great Kefalonia Earthquake of 1953.
That quake, which struck the Ionian Islands on 12 August 1953, reached a magnitude of 7.2 and remains one of the strongest in Greek history.
It killed an estimated 800 people, destroyed nearly 90 per cent of buildings on Kefalonia, and left thousands homeless.
It also triggered tsunamis and powerful aftershocks, spreading destruction across nearby islands like Zakynthos and Ithaca.
Seismologists say Crete earthquake unlikely to trigger tsunami
Thursday 22 May 2025 08:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarEfthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, said the quake’s location at sea – and its significant depth – made a tsunami unlikely.
According to the Greek daily Ta Nea, Mr Lekkas explained that the earthquake occurred at a significant depth, making it less likely to cause severe surface damage.
He said that the earthquake struck at the junction of the African and European tectonic plates – a zone known for past powerful quakes – but it was unrelated to any volcanic activity near Santorini.
According to CretaLive, in the first 10 minutes after the tremor, the emergency line “100” received only precautionary calls and reports of fear, with no injuries or damage reported.
“We were expecting a revised solution to come out, it is 60km deep and does not pose a danger at such a depth and so many kilometres away from Lasithi and the coast,” emphasised the director of the Geodynamic Institute, Vasilis Karastathis, speaking on OPEN television.
“There is no problem. We will also look at the aftershock sequence, but I do not think it will be intense. With these characteristics of the earthquake, we do not expect any aftershock sequence. There is no need to be concerned,” he said.
“When it is large, the depth opens up the distance, which is why it was felt in Attica and was quite large,” he added.
CCTV visuals as magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits Crete coast in Greece
Thursday 22 May 2025 08:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarWhere did the earthquake strike?
Thursday 22 May 2025 07:50 , Maroosha MuzaffarA magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the northern coast of Crete early Thursday morning.
The epicentre was located about 58 kilometres northeast of Elounda and Neapolis, beneath the sea at a depth of approximately 69 kilometres.
This area lies at the tectonic boundary where the African and European plates meet, a region known for seismic activity.
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The quake’s offshore location and considerable depth helped reduce its impact on the surface, but tremors were felt across the Aegean Sea region, including parts of Turkey, Israel, and Egypt.
School safety checks underway after Crete earthquake
Thursday 22 May 2025 07:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarFollowing the 6.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Crete, local authorities have moved swiftly to inspect school infrastructure across affected areas, local media reported.
Fire services remain on general alert, with patrols already underway to monitor any signs of damage, Greek daily newspaper Ta Nea reported.
Municipalities in Heraklion and Lassithi have prioritised school checks, ensuring buildings are safe for students.
While no issues have been reported so far, a few school field trips have been cancelled as a precaution, the outlet reported.
A decision on whether schools in Agios Nikolaos will remain open is expected shortly.
Everything we know about Greece earthquake and tsunami alert
Thursday 22 May 2025 07:16 , Maroosha MuzaffarA magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off northern Crete at 8.49am local time.
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 Strong Preliminary Magnitude 6.3 earthquake recently struck near Crete, Greece, at a depth of 15 km
— Chyno News (@ChynoNews) May 22, 2025
Multiple reports of strong shaking felt by residents.
Increased seismic activity continues throughout the region #earthquake #Greece #Emsc #σεισμός #Crete #Santorini pic.twitter.com/cDPjoNHJLy
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.
Move away from the coast and reach higher ground, government issues directive
Thursday 22 May 2025 06:59 , Maroosha MuzaffarA national directive issued by the Greek government after Thursday’s massive earthquake off the coast of Crete urged tourists to “move away from the coast and reach a higher place”.
While no injuries or major damage have been reported, emergency services on the island remain on high alert, authorities said.
The quake, felt as far as Turkey and Egypt, follows another tremor recorded just last week that had already raised safety concerns for Crete and Rhodes.
Tsunami warning after magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes off Crete coast in Greece
Thursday 22 May 2025 06:48 , Maroosha MuzaffarA magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Crete, Greece, on Thursday morning, prompting a tsunami warning from European authorities.
The tremor’s epicentre was located 58 km north-northeast of Elounda at a depth of 69 km.
Residents in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, and Portugal were urged to follow updates from their local authorities.
