Why Crete is the most seismically active region in Europe, civil defence advice for earthquakes, installation of early warning sensors for tsunamis and earthquakes in Crete, and can dogs sense when an earthquake is coming?
Why Crete is the most seismically active region in Europe
Crete is one of the most seismically active regions in Europe. This is evident from the many active faults, especially in the south and east of the island.
Experts assess the earthquake risk using current data and a new risk map model. The new hazard map takes into account earthquakes over the last ten years, movements of the Greek arc and satellite measurements.
A large part of Crete falls into hazard zone 3, which means a high risk.
Risk zone | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
Zone 1 | Low risk | Areas with little risk |
Zone 2 | Medium risk | Areas with moderate earthquake risk |
Zone 3 | High risk | Regions at high risk of earthquakes (e.g. Crete) |
However, the actual extent of the danger does not depend solely on the strength of the quakes. Other factors also play a role:
- Soil conditions
- Age and condition of buildings
- Building density in the area
Energy is constantly accumulating in the region. This means that major earthquakes can occur at any time, even if you may not want to hear it.
It is not enough to simply be aware of the danger zone. Anyone living in Crete should bear a few things in mind:
- Check buildings and reinforce them if necessary
- Educate the population
- Develop evacuation plans
- Secure critical infrastructure
Schools are a particular focus because many of them were not built to be earthquake-proof. Reinforcing these buildings is actually a requirement – not a nice extra option.
Incidentally, the new risk map also shows for the first time where the greatest damage could occur due to residential structure and density. Understanding this makes it easier to plan protective measures and emergency management.
Disaster control: What to do in the event of an earthquake
Preparation in the home
- Screw shelves and bookcases securely to the wall.
- Move tall furniture away from doors so that it cannot tip over and block exits.
- Securely fasten water heaters and tanks for water or fuel.
- Place heavy items on the lower shelves.
- Do not store anything heavy above beds or sofas.
- Securely mount lamps and ceiling fans.
- Designate safe places in each room, such as under sturdy tables.
- These places should be far away from windows, bookshelves and exterior walls.
- Check electricity and gas connections regularly.
- Show your family how to turn off the electricity, water and gas.
- Have emergency numbers handy: 112, 199, 166, 100.
- Have a battery-powered radio, torch and first aid kit ready.
Safe meeting place outside the house
- Choose a place that is free of buildings and trees.
- Keep a safe distance from power lines and telephone lines.
During the earthquake
Situation | Action |
|---|---|
Inside the house | Stay calm. Get under a sturdy table or desk, kneel down and hold on to the furniture. |
If there is no sturdy furniture, kneel in the middle of the room and protect your head with your hands. | |
Stay away from large windows and furniture. | |
Never run outside or go out onto the balcony during an earthquake. | |
In a tall building | Stay away from windows and exterior walls. |
In shopping centres or large buildings | Stay calm. Stay indoors until it is over. Do not follow the crowd in panic. |
Important information
- Be prepared for aftershocks after the earthquake.
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Only go outside if it is safe to do so – then go to the agreed meeting point.
- Avoid dangerous objects or damaged pipes.
Emergency equipment at home should include:
- Water and food for several days
- Batteries and alternative light sources
- First aid kit
- Important documents and cash
These measures can reduce the risk of injury and damage. In the chaos following an earthquake, this can make a real difference.
Crete on high alert – installation of early warning sensors for tsunamis and earthquakes
Crete is now focusing on greater safety with new sensors for early warning of tsunamis and earthquakes. Three tsunami sensors are being installed at coastal stations, along with additional seismic sensors for better and faster detection.
A new data centre in Heraklion collects and analyses the information. This should significantly reduce response times in an emergency.
In the summer of 2026, the aim is to establish a dense network of accelerometers (seismometers). These devices provide precise data on the strength and course of each tremor.
Objectives of the measures:
- Early warning of the population
- Better monitoring of seismic activity
- Protection against the consequences of earthquakes and tsunamis
Crete is located in the middle of an active seismic zone. The African and Eurasian plates push and pull here – so an earthquake could strike at any time, as it did in 1956.
Important locations for the sensors:
Location | Sensor type | Function |
|---|---|---|
Coastal locations | Tsunami sensors | Detection of water movements |
Island-wide | Seismic sensors | Detection of earthquake movements |
Heraklion | Data centre | Data management and analysis |
This technology enables Crete to respond more quickly and effectively when the earth trembles. In an emergency, this saves lives.
Can dogs sense when an earthquake is coming?
Many people say that their dogs behave very differently before an earthquake. They bark, seem nervous or suddenly hide. This has not been scientifically proven, but there are increasing numbers of observations – sometimes dogs react minutes, hours or even days in advance.
Some believe that dogs perceive noises or vibrations that we humans do not notice. Perhaps they even sense subtle changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. In any case, dogs’ ears are extremely sensitive and pick up on things that we miss.
Examples of noticeable behaviour before earthquakes
- Restlessness and nervousness
- Frequent barking or whining
- Hiding or fleeing behaviour
- Increased urge to move or hyperactivity
- Searching for protection
Many owners report that their dog is restless or particularly anxious in the days before an earthquake. Perhaps there is more to it than we think.
Scientific studies and observations
In some countries, such as China and Japan, people use animals in early warning systems. They pay attention to how animals behave because this can sometimes indicate impending earthquakes.
For example, in the Chinese city of Haicheng in 1975, people observed unusual behaviour in dogs and other animals. As a result, they evacuated the city before a severe earthquake caused widespread destruction.
During a study, a Canadian professor happened to notice remarkable restlessness among dogs. This coincided exactly with a small earthquake.
This suggests, at least, that there may be a connection between behaviour and seismic activity in some animals. But is this always the case? There remains uncertainty.
Limitations and doubts
Scientists are far from unanimous on this point. Some believe that weather changes, everyday stress or simply loud noises can also alter the behaviour of animals.
Furthermore, there is no standardised method for reliably using the behaviour of dogs as an earthquake warning. This complicates matters.
Table: Different senses of dogs that could help during earthquakes
Sense | How it could help |
|---|---|
Hearing | Perception of vibrations and currents |
Smell | Smelling gases or chemicals |
Sense of touch | Feeling vibrations in the ground |
Magnetic sense* | Orientation based on the Earth’s magnetic field (hypothetical) |
* Whether dogs really have a magnetic sense has not yet been scientifically confirmed. But the discussion is ongoing.
Conclusion
Dogs often show quite clear signs of restlessness before an earthquake occurs. However, no one knows for sure whether they can actually predict these events.
With their keen senses, they perceive things that we humans often miss. Nevertheless, changes in dog behaviour should not be interpreted as a warning sign on their own.
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