14-year-old girl dies in earthquake off Rhodes and insightful statements by earthquake expert Efthimis Lekkas on the last nine earthquakes near Arkalochori on Crete.
5.8 magnitude earthquake off Rhodes: 14-year-old girl dies in Turkey and dozens injured
A strong earthquake hit near Rhodes, rattling nerves and causing damage in the area. The shock reached across Turkey and Crete, unsettling a lot of people and reminding everyone how unpredictable this region can be.
Sadly, the earthquake claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl in Turkey. There were also dozens of injuries, and experts have been weighing in on the quake’s strength and the way communities and emergency teams responded.
The earthquake measured 5.8 on the Richter scale and struck offshore near Rhodes in the early morning hours. It was felt pretty clearly across southwestern Turkey, even as far as Muğla and İzmir.
Tragically, a 14-year-old girl in Turkey died after suffering a panic attack during the quake. Despite medical help, she didn’t make it. In total, 69 people were injured—some more seriously than others.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene. Fourteen people had jumped from heights in panic and were treated on site. Eight ended up in the hospital, and others continued to receive care for different injuries.
The epicentre was 23 kilometres north of Rhodes, with the quake striking at a depth of 62 kilometres. People across the Dodecanese islands definitely felt the shaking.
So far, there’s been no confirmed damage to homes or residential buildings. Local officials have tried to reassure everyone, saying this was probably the main shock and that more strong tremors aren’t expected—though who can say for sure?
Key points:
- Magnitude: 5.8 Richter
- Epicentre: 23 km north of Rhodes
- Depth: 62 km
- Casualties: 1 dead, 69 injured
- Areas affected: Southwestern Turkey, Muğla, İzmir, Dodecanese
- Emergency response ongoing, no confirmed structural damage
Emergency services actions:
Service |
Response |
|---|---|
Medical teams |
Treatment on site and hospitals |
Fire service |
Monitoring and safety checks |
Local government |
Coordination and public info updates |
Seismologists are calling this the main shock for now, and they’re advising people to stay calm. Monitoring is ongoing, just in case anything else happens.
Earthquake expert Akis Tselentis on the Rhodes earthquake
Today’s earthquake, measuring 5.8R, was recorded 21 km south of Rhodes in the sea.
The earthquake was most likely the main quake, and due to the great depth of 60 km, the aftershock sequence (which has not yet occurred) is likely to be rather weak. However, as strong earthquakes can occur in this region, we should wait two days to observe developments.
As a reminder, the 7R earthquake in 227/226 BC was devastating and led to the collapse of the famous Colossus of Rhodes.
It occurred in a DIFFERENT area SOUTH of Rhodes, which has nothing to do with today’s epicentre.
Since then, there have been several earthquakes with a magnitude of more than 7.0, the last of which occurred on Wednesday, 24 April 1957. Before the main earthquake, there were several foreshocks, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale on 23 April.
The seismicity of Rhodes is determined by the Greek volcanic arc (where the African plate subducts beneath the Aegean Sea), and Rhodes lies at the northeastern end of the subduction zone.
Earthquakes in the Greek arc can be felt at great distances from the epicentre. According to reports so far, today’s earthquake was felt in Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos, Samos, Patmos, Heraklion, Ierapetra, Chania, Voutes, South Lasithi, but also in coastal areas of Turkey (where there were many injuries and one fatality).
THE EARTHQUAKE IS NOT RELATED TO NEA AITNA AND SANTORINI.
The Arkalochori earthquake and the aftershocks four years later
So, nine earthquakes have rattled the area near Arkalochori recently. Scientists say these quakes are tied to the major earthquake that slammed the region four years back.
Turns out, these are what the experts call delayed aftershocks. They’re still echoing long after the main event, almost like the earth’s got unfinished business.
There was also a 6.1 magnitude earthquake northeast of Agios Nikolaos. That one’s a different story—it happened way deeper underground, so it’s not really part of the Arkalochori cluster.
The nine Arkalochori tremors all hit along the same fault line that caused the big quake in September 2021. These aftershocks just took their sweet time showing up, but they’re still linked to that original seismic shake-up.
This kind of delayed rumbling? Apparently, it can drag on for two to four years after the first big shock.
Despite all the shaking, experts are urging people to stay calm. Monitoring’s gotten better, and honestly, Crete’s response systems have come a long way.
There are new building codes, a whole ministry dedicated to this stuff, and emergency drills that actually happen now. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely progress.
Meanwhile, a landslide hit near Agios Ioannis in Ierapetra. Officials say it was just a typical road-related mess and not a sign of something bigger lurking underneath.
They’re teaming up with local authorities to study the area and, hopefully, keep future disruptions to a minimum.
Key Points |
Details |
|---|---|
Number of recent quakes near Arkalochori |
9 |
Main earthquake that triggered aftershocks |
September 2021, magnitude 6.0 |
Separate large quake location and magnitude |
Northeast of Agios Nikolaos, 6.1 magnitude |
Time after main event when aftershocks appear |
Up to 4 years |
Response improvements |
Updated law, new ministry, emergency drills |
Landslide incident |
Road-related near Agios Ioannis, no major risk |
Delayed aftershocks like these aren’t unusual in seismic zones—faults can be slow to let go of their tension. The Arkalochori area’s still feeling the effects of 2021, but right now, there’s no real sign things are getting riskier.
How do you protect yourself during earthquakes?
Recent earthquakes near Crete:
Earthquake simulator at the Natural History Museum:
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)
