Tsunami Warning Issued After 5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Coast of Crete

The island of Crete

Tourists and residents in parts of Greece have been urged to evacuate coastal areas immediately following a strong earthquake that triggered a tsunami warning. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck early today off the southeast coast of Kasos, near Crete, prompting Greece’s Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection to issue an urgent alert warning of a potential tsunami.

The epicenter of the quake was located 48 kilometers southeast of Kasos, a region known for its seismic activity. The tremor was felt across multiple nearby islands, raising alarm for both locals and visitors. Authorities are advising people to move away from the coastline and seek higher ground as a precaution. The Ministry stated: “Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities.”

Emergency services are on high alert, and while no injuries or major structural damage have been reported so far, officials are closely monitoring the situation due to the risk of aftershocks. Seismologists have noted that the region remains unstable in the aftermath of the quake.

The epicenter of the earthquake was near the coast of Crete

Crete and surrounding areas have a long history of seismic activity. In October 2021, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the region just weeks after a separate deadly quake in September of that year killed one person and injured several others. The September quake caused severe damage in villages near Heraklion, with hundreds of homes impacted and many residents left homeless. Schools and public buildings were cracked, forcing families to sleep outside amid ongoing aftershock fears.

That same October, a 6.4 magnitude quake struck near Karpathos, affecting islands such as Kasos and Rhodes. Though no fatalities occurred, the earthquake caused widespread concern and disrupted daily life in the region.

In July 2006, a powerful 6.7 magnitude quake hit the seabed south of Crete, sending tremors as far as Athens and waking residents in the early morning hours.

Greece lies at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of Europe’s most seismically active regions. Earthquakes are a regular occurrence, but the risk of a large-scale disaster is a constant concern for officials and residents alike.