Newsflash from Thursday, 2 April 2026:
Residents in Western Crete and the surrounding islands felt a jolt on Wednesday evening as a 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck the sea area between Crete and Kythira. The tremor, which occurred at 8:46 PM local time on April 1st, serves as a reminder of the region’s active seismic nature.
The Details: Epicenter and Depth
According to the Revised Solution from the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the marine area approximately 114 kilometers southwest of Kythira.
A key factor in how the quake was felt was its focal depth. Experts estimated the depth at 68 kilometers. Because the earthquake occurred relatively deep underground and far from major residential hubs, its impact on land was significantly dampened.
Quick Stats:
* Magnitude: 4.5 Richter
* Date/Time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 20:46
* Location: 114 km SW of Kythira / West of Crete
* Focal Depth: 68 km
Was there any damage?
Despite being felt in parts of Western Crete and Kythira, there have been no reports of injuries or material damage. Seismologists note that earthquakes of this magnitude and depth are common in the Hellenic Arc, where the African plate subducts under the Aegean plate.
A Busy Week for Crete
This seismic event comes at a time when Crete is already dealing with extreme weather conditions, including a “Red Alert” for Saharan dust and strong gales. While the earthquake was unrelated to the weather, it added to a restless 24 hours for the island.
As always, authorities recommend that residents remain calm but informed. In a region known for its seismic activity, these minor tremors are a routine part of life in the Mediterranean.
Local time at the epicentre: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 8:11 p.m. (GMT +3)
Magnitude: 4.5
Depth: 68.3 km
Epicentre: 35.4945°N / 22.4407°E (Latitude / Longitude)
Intensity: III (weak near the epicentre)
Nearby locations | Distance | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
Potamos Antikythiron (Attika) | 88 km | III |
Moni Chrysoskalitissas (Chania) | 101 km | III |
Kissamos | 110 km | III |
General information: CreteTip only reports earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or higher, or earthquake swarms close to this threshold!
The reason for this is that earthquakes of lower intensity pose no danger whatsoever and are hardly noticeable after a longer stay in Crete.
Understanding Intensity and the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
Ever wonder what exactly people mean when they talk about the “strength” of an earthquake? That’s called its intensity—basically, how much shaking folks actually feel where they are.
Intensity isn’t the same thing as magnitude, which is all about the energy released at the quake’s source. Intensity is more personal; it’s about how strongly the quake hit a specific spot.
The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is the usual go-to for describing this. It ranks shaking from I (not felt) to X (extreme shaking). The scale uses Roman numerals and sometimes colors to help visualize it, which is kind of handy:
- I to II: Not felt or barely felt
- III to IV: Weak to light shaking
- V and above: Moderate to strong shaking
How intense the shaking feels depends on a mix of things—how powerful the quake was, how deep underground it started, and how far away you are from the epicentre.
If you’re close to the epicentre, chances are you’ll feel it more. Not exactly a surprise, right?
Recent earthquakes near Crete:
Earthquake simulator at the Natural History Museum:
More about Earthquakes on Crete and Crete is a risk area for strong earthquakes and tsunamis.
How do you protect yourself during earthquakes?
Protection from earthquakes involves preparation before an earthquake and acting safely during an earthquake. Here’s what you should do:
Before an earthquake
1) Prepare an emergency kit: Include water, food, a torch, batteries, first aid supplies, important documents and medications.
2) Secure the room:
– Fasten shelves securely to the walls.
– Place heavy objects on the lower shelves.
– Secure televisions, computers and other heavy items.
– Know how to switch off gas, water and electricity.
3) Create a family emergency plan:
– Know safe places in each room (under sturdy tables, on interior walls).
– Plan and practise evacuation routes.
During an earthquake
If you are in the house:
DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON:
– Drop to your hands and knees (before you’re knocked down).
– Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk. If there’s nothing to hide under, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
– Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.
– Keep away from windows, glass and heavy objects that could fall.
– Do not run outside during the quake.
If you are outdoors:
– Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines.
– Stay there until the quake stops.
If you are in a vehicle:
– Stop as quickly and safely as possible.
– Stay inside the vehicle.
– Avoid stopping on bridges, in tunnels or under overpasses.
After an earthquake
– Check yourself and others for injuries.
– Be prepared for aftershocks.
– Inspect the house for damage and hazards (gas leaks, fire, etc.).
– Listen to emergency announcements for information and instructions.
– Use the telephone only in emergencies.
Important notes:
Most earthquake injuries are caused by falling objects and debris, not building collapses. Protect your head and neck and stay calm.
Information from the Greek Civil Protection for earthquakes (in English)
