Greece has issued a tsunami warning for parts of its coastline following a powerful earthquake that struck near the island of Kasos on Wednesday. The quake, measured at a magnitude of 5.9 by Greece’s emergency services, occurred approximately 48 kilometers southeast of Kasos, which has a small population of about 1,000 residents. The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection urged citizens to evacuate coastal areas due to the potential risk of a tsunami.
The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 83 kilometers (52 miles), with the German Research Centre for Geoscience (GFZ) noting a slightly higher magnitude of 6.3. Tremors from the seismic event were felt as far away as Israel and southwestern Turkey, and even in Egypt, where the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics reported a magnitude of 6.4. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties or significant damage.
Greece, situated on multiple seismic fault lines, frequently experiences earthquakes. Recent data from the University of Athens seismology laboratory indicated over 18,400 low-magnitude quakes occurring between January 26 and February 13 off the Cyclades archipelago, including the renowned tourist destination of Santorini.
The rapid response and warnings from the Greek authorities highlight the country’s commitment to public safety in the face of natural disasters. As the situation develops, it is imperative for residents and visitors to adhere to safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with seismic activity.