Comprehensive safety measures and updates: Assessments by earthquake experts Lekkas and Tselentis.
A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck near the island of Crete. This caused immediate concern for the local population.
The authorities responded quickly by placing the island on high alert. Their goal: manage any potential risks or damage without delay.
Local officials and experts shared their assessments. They really stressed the importance of readiness and keeping a close eye on things after the quake.
Despite the strength of the quake, the prompt reaction helped contain the situation. Public safety was maintained, at least for now.
Authorities in Crete are still on high alert after the earthquake that struck off the island’s eastern coast. A coordinated meeting was quickly called, pulling together government officials, regional leaders, and emergency experts to figure out next steps.
Key points from the meeting include:
- No major damage reported due to the earthquake’s significant depth.
- Continued monitoring of aftershocks is a priority.
- Full cooperation between regional authorities and national agencies is ongoing.
- Citizen safety and speedy restoration efforts are the main goals.
The meeting included the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Regional Governor of Crete, the head of the earthquake protection organisation, the fire service commander, and city officials.
They reviewed the impact on infrastructure, schools, and public buildings. No critical harm was confirmed, but inspections are ongoing to catch any minor issues early.
Summary of Response Measures
Measure |
Description |
|---|---|
Emergency Coordination |
Continuous collaboration between local and national bodies. |
Safety Inspections |
Rapid checks on buildings, especially schools. |
Citizen Communication |
Regular updates to keep the public informed. |
Aftershock Surveillance |
Monitoring using seismic networks for timely alerts. |
Preparedness Planning |
Review and updating of emergency response protocols. |
There’s a sense that this organized approach is helping maintain public confidence. It keeps everyone just a bit more ready for whatever seismic activity might follow.
Key Focus Areas
-
Health and Safety: Looking after residents with preventive actions and immediate assistance.
-
Infrastructure Checks: Bridges, roads, and utilities are getting extra attention to prevent secondary hazards.
-
Information Sharing: Accurate updates through media and official channels help keep rumors down.
-
Scientific Analysis: Ongoing study of the seismic event to inform future risk management.
Residents are encouraged to follow official advice. Staying prepared is never a bad idea.
Preparedness Tips for Earthquake-Prone Areas
- Secure heavy furniture and appliances to walls.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and medical supplies.
- Know safe spots indoors such as under sturdy tables.
- Maintain a family communication plan in case of separation.
- Keep updated with emergency broadcasts and alerts.
Summary Table: Earthquake Quick Facts
Fact |
Details |
|---|---|
Magnitude |
6.1 |
Location |
Offshore Eastern Crete |
Depth |
Large focal depth |
Reported Damage |
No significant impact |
Aftershocks |
Closely monitored |
Affected Area |
Crete, felt as far as Athens |
Last stronger aftershock (over 3.0):
Magnitude 3.4: Aegean Sea, 79 km northeast of Heraklion, on Friday, 23 May 2025, at 00:57 (GMT +3)
Statement from earthquake expert Lekkas
Mr Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Greek Seismological Authority, highlighted the main points of the recent earthquake’s seismic characteristics. He pointed out that the depth at which the earthquake occurred played a critical role in lessening its impact on the surface.
This depth meant the energy didn’t transfer as strongly to buildings, so the damage was less than you might expect from a quake of this size at a shallower level. The earthquake was felt over a wide area, but the detailed seismic analysis actually showed favorable conditions regarding its effects.
Mr Lekkas explained the event happened along a tectonic fault zone involving the African and European plates. The fault’s location and mechanics contributed to the intensity and depth of the event.
After the main shock, several aftershocks were recorded. Mr Lekkas noted that’s pretty typical—smaller tremors can continue for days or even weeks.
These aftershocks will be monitored thoroughly to ensure public safety and to anticipate any further structural impacts. The decision, guided by scientific advice from Mr Lekkas and local authorities, was not to close schools except where minor repairs were needed due to the earthquake’s effects.
Teams are actively inspecting over 200 educational buildings to provide accurate and up-to-date information about their condition. Local government and emergency services worked together from the outset, keeping in close touch with national authorities.
This coordination was essential for an efficient response and keeping the public informed. Specialized committees have been set up for post-earthquake inspections, checking buildings and infrastructure across the city for any damages or vulnerabilities.
These efforts will guide any necessary reinforcement or repair work, which is expected to get government support. Mr Lekkas also reassured that continuous monitoring and evaluation are in place.
The seismic network and related technologies provide real-time data to spot any significant changes. This kind of vigilance helps authorities jump into action if further seismic activity occurs.
Explanations by earthquake expert Tselentis on television
The magnitude of 6.1 was the main quake.
Akis Tselenis, professor of geophysics and research director at the Seismological Institute, weighed in on the recent quake near Crete. He made it pretty clear: the 6.1 magnitude earthquake was the main event, not just another tremor in a series.
He also pointed out that this shock wasn’t connected to the recent earthquakes near Karpathos and Kasos islands. That’s probably a relief for folks wondering if it’s all part of a chain reaction.
The earthquake struck about 60 km above a solid chunk of the African tectonic plate, which is sliding beneath Crete. Because of this solid structure, the energy from the quake traveled far, so people felt it well beyond Crete—southern Greece got quite a jolt.
Tselenis mentioned the old buildings scattered around Heraklion. Honestly, these aging structures could be a real problem in events like this, so it’s something local authorities probably shouldn’t ignore.
He also tackled those wild rumors about a possible 8.1 quake. That kind of earthquake happened 2,500 years ago—so, not exactly something to lose sleep over, even if it is tourist season.
For the past couple of years, there’s been a pattern of smaller quakes in the region. Tselenis said this shows ongoing tectonic activity, but he didn’t see any immediate link to bigger earthquakes elsewhere.
Key points from Tselenis’ analysis:
Aspect |
Information |
|---|---|
Magnitude |
6.1, the principal earthquake |
Location |
60 km above the African plate beneath Crete |
Relation to other quakes |
No connection with earlier Karpathos-Kasos quake |
Energy spread |
High due to the solid nature of the African plate |
Risk factors |
Many old, vulnerable buildings in Heraklion |
Public reassurance |
No immediate danger of an 8.1 magnitude quake |
