A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Crete on Saturday, rattling the island and prompting evacuations, though no injuries have been reported so far, authorities confirmed.
The tremor, which occurred at around 10:45 a.m. local time, had its epicenter located 74 kilometers west of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, according to the Geodynamic Institute in Athens. The quake originated at a significant depth, which experts say helped mitigate more severe surface damage and reduced the risk of a tsunami.
Despite the depth of the earthquake, the impact was strongly felt across the island and beyond. Reports of shaking came from various parts of Crete, as well as the Attica region and the mainland city of Kalamata. Witnesses described the experience as “intense and prolonged,” with many residents and tourists rushing out of homes, hotels, and public buildings in fear.
“We felt the whole building shake. It was frightening,” said Maria Papadakis, a hotel receptionist in Rethymno. “Guests came running down the stairs asking what was happening.”
Crete’s Civil Protection service confirmed structural damage to several buildings across the island. There were instances of collapsed walls and fallen rooftiles, particularly in older structures and rural areas. Local police and emergency services are currently conducting patrols in affected zones to monitor damage and assist the public.
The regional government announced that school buildings are undergoing thorough inspections before being reopened. “Safety is our top priority,” a government spokesperson said. “No schools will be allowed to operate until they have been fully assessed and deemed structurally sound.”
In addition to residences and educational institutions, several tourist attractions have also been temporarily closed. Notably, the Imvros Gorge in the Sfakia region—a popular hiking destination—has been shut to visitors as a precaution. Various archaeological sites on the island have also suspended operations pending inspection.
Authorities stated that, at this stage, there is no indication of strong aftershocks. “Due to the depth at which the quake occurred, the possibility of major aftershocks is low,” said Dr. Giorgos Stavrakis, a seismologist at the Geodynamic Institute. “Nonetheless, we advise the public to remain cautious.”
Civil Protection teams remain on high alert and are coordinating with local officials to assess the full extent of the damage. Emergency response protocols have been activated across the region to ensure that any additional needs or risks are promptly addressed.
As of Saturday evening, no casualties or serious injuries have been reported, offering a measure of relief to a population shaken by the powerful quake.
Greece is one of Europe’s most seismically active countries, lying in a complex geological zone between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates. Earthquakes are common in the region, though not all result in significant damage or casualties.
Officials urged the public to stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas until inspections are complete.
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