Structural analysis and information update: Secretary General of Civil Protection to inspect Heraklion, Samaria Gorge will remain closed tomorrow, geodynamic effects may continue and Heraklion should not be visited during an earthquake.
Inspections Underway in Schools and Public Buildings in Heraklion Following Structural Damage Reports
After the 6.1 earthquake offshore Crete, local authorities in Heraklion jumped into action, inspecting schools, municipal buildings, and private homes showing any signs of damage.
Officials are urging building owners to secure dangerous spots quickly—no one wants a minor crack to turn into a real hazard.
Plenty of private citizens have reached out to the city’s planning department about cracks or small issues in their homes.
Thankfully, so far, nothing too worrying has turned up when it comes to stability in these residences.
Key buildings around the city are getting extra attention:
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The Kothri Mansion lost some decorative pieces from its exterior. They’re bringing in specialists for a closer look at the building’s overall shape.
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At the Church of Saint Mark, a few stones came loose. Archaeologists are on it, and so far, nothing major has been flagged.
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The Heraklion Courthouse was checked for cracks or loose bits. Despite its age, inspectors didn’t spot any visible issues, which is honestly a relief given how old these walls are.
Schools are a big focus right now.
Damage has popped up in the Academy and the 2nd and 5th primary schools over in Nea Alikarnassos.
Precautionary measures are in place to keep students safe.
Where cracks or fallen plaster showed up in school buildings, repairs and safety fixes are planned right away.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on all affected spots, hoping to head off any bigger problems before they start.
Road Closures in Central Heraklion Following the Strong Earthquake
After the earthquake on 22 May 2025, part of a building collapsed in central Heraklion, forcing authorities to close a key road.
Epimenidou Street, between Patros Antoniou and 25th August Street, is off-limits for both cars and pedestrians right now.
Traffic’s being pushed onto other streets to keep things moving.
Drivers who’d usually take Epimenidou are now being sent through:
- Europe Street
- Koronaiou Street
- Sapphous Street
- Duke Beaufort Street
- Nearchos Street
- Sofoklis Venizelos Street
- Agkarathos Monastery Street
It’s not ideal, but these detours keep the city flowing while repairs and checks are underway.
The closure stays until officials give the all-clear for safety.
If you’re in the area, follow the signs and listen to traffic officers—no shortcuts here, just patience and a bit of caution.
Summary of Traffic Adjustments:
Closed Street Segment |
Detour Route |
|---|---|
Epimenidou Street (Patros Antoniou to 25th August) |
Europe → Koronaiou → Sapphous → Duke Beaufort → Nearchos → Sofoklis Venizelos → Agkarathos Monastery |
Officials are monitoring things and will let everyone know when the street is safe to use again.
Secretary General of Civil Protection visits Heraklion
Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis toured Heraklion’s affected spots, including Nea Alikarnassos and the city center, after the 6.1 magnitude quake on 22 May.
Civil Protection General Secretary Nikos Papaefstathiou and OASP President Efthymios Lekkas joined him for the inspections.
At the Crete Regional Authority, officials huddled to talk next steps.
The Mayor, Alexis Kallokairinos, said the municipality acted fast and kept things coordinated across the board.
Key points from the inspection and statements:
Topic |
Details |
|---|---|
Damage assessment |
Minor damages mostly in public buildings and infrastructure. |
School status |
Most schools are open. Just a few closed for quick repairs after safety checks. |
Response |
Evaluation teams activated right away to inspect over 200 school units for aftershock risks. |
Support |
Government funding is expected for repairs and reinforcement. |
Public reassurance |
Officials say infrastructure is holding up well and monitoring continues. |
Efthymios Lekkas reported that everything’s moving along as planned.
He stressed there haven’t been any serious issues so far.
Minister Kefalogiannis reassured folks that the response was quick, and there’s ongoing contact with local authorities.
He also mentioned that more inspections are coming in the next few days—just to make sure everything’s really safe.
Samaria Gorge Remains Closed at Both Entrances Tomorrow
The Samaria Gorge will stay closed on Friday, 23 May 2025.
Both the northern and southern entrances are affected.
The closure comes after seismic activity on 22 May 2025.
Officials want to inspect the trail for rockfalls or damage that could put visitors at risk.
The organization in charge says this is about keeping people safe and having time to properly check the area after the quake.
Key points about the closure:
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Dates of closure |
22 and 23 May 2025 |
Entrances affected |
Both northern and southern gates |
Reason for closure |
Seismic activity and safety checks |
Responsible body |
The Organisation for the Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA) |
If you were planning a visit, probably best to hold off for now.
Updates will come once inspections wrap up.
Safety’s the main concern. The evaluation will decide when it’s okay to open the gorge again.
The Quiet Seismic Period Has Ended – Geodynamic Effects Likely to Persist
He connects this shift to recent big earthquakes, like the strong 6.1 in the Cretan Sea and another near Karpathos.
Both quakes happened pretty deep underground, which helped soften the blow for people living above.
Still, they mark a change in the region’s seismic mood—geodynamic processes are ramping up again.
Papadopoulos points out these events have “unlocked” fault zones along the eastern Greek arc.
The movement of tectonic plates—especially the African plate sliding under the Aegean—is picking up speed.
So, it’s likely we’ll see more seismic activity and aftershocks in the near future.
Key points on the recent seismic changes:
Aspect |
Description |
|---|---|
Magnitude |
Earthquakes of 6.1 and slightly lower values recorded |
Depth |
Around 70 km depth, reducing surface shaking and damage |
Location |
Cretan Sea and Karpathos region |
Seismic Period |
End of low seismicity period lasting nearly four years |
Geodynamic Cause |
Increased activity in plate subduction zones |
Aftershocks |
Some minor aftershocks expected, considered harmless |
The reactivation of these deep seismic events hints at a broader shift in tectonic stress patterns. It’s not just a fluke or a one-off.
Papadopoulos thinks this uptick in activity might stick around for a while, which could impact the overall seismic hazard in the area.
The recent quakes are a pretty stark reminder of just how stubborn and complicated the forces under Greece can be. Authorities and researchers are keeping a close eye, especially in those spots already known for being a bit shaky.
Sure, the earthquakes have changed things up, but there’s no real reason to panic right now. Their depth and offshore location mean the threat to people and property is, thankfully, limited.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt to stay alert and try to figure out what these events might mean for the future. Sometimes, nature likes to keep us guessing.
You should not be in Heraklion during an earthquake
Earthquakes are a constant worry in places like Heraklion. The city sits in a region where the ground likes to remind everyone who’s boss.
People living here have learned to take earthquakes seriously. It’s not just about luck—it’s about being ready.
So, what actually works when it comes to earthquake safety? Honestly, it’s a mix of old wisdom and new tricks.
One thing that stands out is building design. Modern structures in Heraklion are built with earthquakes in mind, but older buildings? Not always so much.
Retrofitting has become a bit of a buzzword. Some folks see it as a hassle, but strengthening those old houses can make a real difference.
Schools and public spaces are getting upgrades too. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.
And then there’s the human side—drills, plans, and a bit of healthy paranoia. People here talk about “the big one” like it’s a distant cousin who might show up unannounced.
Emergency kits are common in households. Water, canned food, flashlights—sometimes it feels like prepping for a camping trip you hope never happens.
Communication matters, especially when panic starts to set in. Local authorities run awareness campaigns, but let’s be honest, not everyone pays attention.
Still, even a little preparation can go a long way. In Heraklion, it’s just part of life.
The recent 6.1 magnitude earthquakes east and north of Crete has once again put earthquake safety under the spotlight. Urban areas like Heraklion? They’re especially in the hot seat.
This city’s got a strange blend of old buildings, unchecked construction, and balconies that don’t exactly inspire confidence. In a bigger quake, that’s a recipe for trouble.
Heraklion really stands out as an example of how not to do earthquake protection. A lot of its buildings are just plain old and don’t meet modern codes.
Unauthorized building work happens all the time, which, let’s be honest, doesn’t help. You walk down those narrow streets and see balconies that look like they could drop something at any moment.
One of the scariest problems? All those unsafe balconies hanging over busy streets. If they collapse or even just shed bits during a quake, people below are in real danger.
This is even more of a worry in the older buildings that haven’t seen maintenance in years. It’s like waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Heraklion’s building stock hasn’t really been updated or reinforced for earthquakes. So, if a stronger tremor comes along, it’s not hard to imagine what could happen.
There’s no clear sign that the recent quake triggered any fault line under Crete. Still, everyone knows Crete sits in a seismically active zone. Earthquakes aren’t rare here, so it’s not a question of if, but when.
Preparation isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people, too. Folks should know the safest spots in their homes, maybe even practice what to do if the ground starts shaking.
Getting rid of heavy or sharp stuff near beds or in places where people gather is a smart move. It’s not rocket science, but it can make a difference.
Securing furniture, not putting heavy things above where you sleep or sit, and having a plan for where to take cover—these are the basics. Sometimes people forget the basics, though, don’t they?
Urban centres like Heraklion really need to step up with stricter building rules and better emergency plans. Upgrading old structures and making sure people actually know what to do could save lives.
Key Issues |
Details |
|---|---|
Old Buildings |
Many are weak and not up to modern codes |
Unauthorised Construction |
Random development creates unstable structures |
Dangerous Balconies |
Risk of falling debris in narrow streets |
Lack of Public Preparation |
Citizens often lack knowledge on safety steps |
Recommended Actions |
Description |
|---|---|
Structural Upgrades |
Retrofit or rebuild unsafe buildings |
Enforcement of Building Laws |
Prevent unauthorised or unsafe works |
Public Awareness Campaigns |
Teach people how to react and prepare |
Personal Home Safety Checks |
Identify safe rooms and secure dangerous items |
