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Greek fire brigade on high alert after 6.1 magnitude quake strikes off Crete

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 22, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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ATHENS (Reuters) -Emergency services were on high alert in Crete on Thursday after a 6.1 magnitude quake hit off the Greek island, causing tremors felt across Turkey and Israel. The fire brigade said

Crete on Alert Following 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Off Its Coast

ATHENS (Reuters) -Emergency services were on high alert in Crete on Thursday after a 6.1 magnitude quake hit off the Greek island, causing tremors felt across Turkey and Israel.

The fire brigade said it has not received any calls for assistance so far nor reports of any serious property damage.

The tremor, which hit 79 km (49 miles) off the city of Heraklion at 6:19 a.m. (0319 GMT) on Thursday, jolted locals and tourists holidaying on the island at the start of the summer season, according to reports on X.

CCTV video posted on Facebook showed plant pots on a balcony shaking for seconds.

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, prompting thousands to evacuate and shutting schools.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou and Renee Maltezou; Editing by Sonali Paul)

Key Takeaways

  • A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off Crete's coast.
  • Tremors were felt in Turkey and Israel.
  • No serious damage or calls for assistance reported.
  • Greece is highly prone to earthquakes.
  • Santorini experienced significant seismic activity earlier this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What magnitude was the earthquake that struck off Crete?
The earthquake that struck off Crete was measured at 6.1 magnitude.
When did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred at 6:19 a.m. local time on Thursday.
Have there been any reports of damage from the earthquake?
So far, the fire brigade has not received any calls for assistance or reports of serious property damage.
Where was the epicenter of the earthquake located?
The epicenter of the earthquake was located 79 km off the city of Heraklion.
How did locals and tourists react to the earthquake?
The tremor jolted locals and tourists holidaying on the island, as it occurred at the start of the summer season.

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