Very strong earthquake 57 kilometres north of Neapoli, eastern Crete. Updates on the seismotectonic consequences of last week’s quake and why does this quake seem much stronger to the people of Crete?
After a week, another very strong earthquake for eastern Crete
After a very strong earthquake of magnitude 6.1 east of here on the night of 13 to 14 May, another one of estimated magnitude 6.0 to 6.2 followed this morning (06:19 local time, GMT +3).
This time the epicentre was only 57 kilometres north-east of Neapoli (and 80 kilometres east of Heraklion) at an estimated depth of c. 50 kilometers (rectified from 37 to 40 kilometres) and was felt here much more strongly and for longer than the previous one.
No damage visible here, although it was better to take cover – a first for me since I’ve been on Crete!
If that was “only” 6.1, I don’t want to experience a 7.1 – the opinion of many on Crete who have never experienced such strong shocks over a longer period of time (see comments at Akis Tselentis):
Even the neighbours here have never experienced such a strong earthquake – at least not in the last 50 years.
Earthquake expert Professor Lekkas is happy that the epicentre was at sea.
Seismic activity was also felt in parts of Attica, the Athens media reported.
Professor Lekkas, explained that the large focal depth of the earthquake was crucial as it significantly reduced the possibility of a tsunami. He also emphasised that the phenomenon originated from a seismic trench and not from the Greek arc, and estimated that no serious damage was expected in Crete.
Regarding the aftershock sequence, Athanasios Gana, head of research at the Athens Geodynamic Institute, said: “Normally these earthquakes, although strong, do not trigger aftershock sequences because they are located on the African plate, which sinks into the Aegean Sea. No damage is expected to earthquake-proof buildings, but older buildings should be checked.”
Regarding the earthquakes that have recently been recorded in our country, he said: “It has been a long time since we had earthquakes close to magnitude 6 on the Richter scale. We have seen an increase before.”
| Security cameras captured the moment a M6.1 earthquake hit the city of Heraklion, in the Greek island of Crete.
A strong earthquake with a M of 6.1 struck off the northern coast of Crete, early Thursday morning, May 22, 2025, at 6.19 AM local time.#σεισμος #earthquake pic.twitter.com/fE5ARKTfqf
— RenderNature (@RenderNature) May 22, 2025
Emergency warning:
This was followed a few minutes later by an earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale.
The road to Myrtos from Tersa (Viannos municipality) was closed due to the risk of landslides.
Further information and update later if necessary.
Seismotectonic consequences are likely to be significant in the short and medium term
Seismologists Evi Nomikou and Danai Lampridou had already warned in this article after the first quake last week:
According to scientists, the potential of this region (between Ierapetra and Karpathos, where last week’s quake struck) is so great that it could cause an earthquake measuring 8 on the Richter scale, as happened in August 1303 with the subsequent tsunami. After all, the epicentre of the earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale is located on the Hellenic Arc, which has such potential.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos, for his part, reported that the earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale ended the absence of strong earthquakes in our country since October 2021.
Specifically, Mr Papadopoulos reported: “Earthquake of magnitude 6.1R after midnight south of Kasos-Karpathos in the eastern Greek earthquake arc at a depth of about 70 km. The continued absence of strong earthquakes in the country (seismic apnoea) since 12 October 2021, when an earthquake of the same magnitude occurred in the same area, ended. The great distance from populated areas and the considerable focal depth contributed to the absence of negative effects. Such earthquakes are felt particularly strongly in North Africa, Cyprus and the Middle East, but have a weak aftershock sequence. However, the seismotectonic consequences are likely to be significant in the short to medium term. More on this in the next few days.”
Why does the earthquake appear to have been stronger than 6.1 to the people of Crete?
A recent earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale was widely felt across Crete and surrounding areas.
Its impact stood out, not just for the strength, but because of where and how deep it hit. That really changed how the seismic waves shot through the Earth’s crust.
The quake struck at an intermediate depth, right along a tectonic plate boundary beneath Crete.
Earthquakes like this tend to send vibrations across a wide area, so people felt the shaking far from the epicentre. The ground beneath the island—its unique geology—definitely influenced how the energy traveled.
Earthquakes that start at intermediate depths often lead to shaking over wide areas. Oddly enough, they rarely cause major surface damage.
These quakes happen below the Earth’s crust, usually inside subducting tectonic plates. Their energy just sort of radiates out, reaching much farther than you might expect.
Usually, it’s one plate sliding under another—classic subduction. That motion builds up pressure and cracks inside the sinking plate, which sparks seismic activity deep underground.
Because they’re so deep, people can feel the shaking hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre. The distance these things can travel is honestly a bit unsettling.
These intermediate-depth earthquakes are usually one-offs. You don’t get a lot of aftershocks, which definitely sets them apart from the more familiar shallow quakes.
Key characteristics of intermediate-depth earthquakes:
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
Location |
Within subducting tectonic plates, below the Earth’s crust |
Area affected |
Large geographic regions, often beyond the immediate vicinity |
Aftershocks |
Few to none; tend to be “lonely” earthquakes |
Surface damage |
Generally limited, rarely severe |
Impact on infrastructure |
Lower risk but still requires preparedness |
These quakes can affect buildings and people in ways that differ from shallow ones. Sometimes, structures far from the epicentre shake pretty noticeably, even if there’s no real damage nearby.
That’s something to keep in mind for disaster planning. Resilient building matters, even if you’re not right on top of a fault line.
Seismic activity tied to subduction zones really shapes the earthquake risk along coastlines. If you live near one, you can’t just shrug off distant earthquakes—they can still make themselves felt.
How do you protect yourself during earthquakes?
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)
