Earthquake 6.1 Richter off Crete - Ongoing inspections and patrols across the island

A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Neapoli, Lasithi, in Crete, caused alarm among local residents and was even felt as far away as Attica.

According to local media, people were jolted out of bed, and eyewitnesses reported that the shaking was followed by a loud rumbling sound. Many exited their homes to stay safe.

Video footage captured the force of the quake, showing power lines and vehicles shaking while a deep rumble could be heard.

At the same time, supermarket products tumbled from shelves, causing damage.

Nine Aftershocks Recorded

Following the 6.1 magnitude quake, nine aftershocks were recorded in the area, with magnitudes ranging between 2.5 and 3.5 Richter.

Fire Service on Patrol

Crete’s fire services are on high alert, with patrol vehicles already monitoring the situation.

Reports indicate minor landslides in provincial road networks and small sections of buildings collapsing, particularly on 25th August Street in Heraklion. The regional and municipal authorities remain on heightened alert.

Building Section Collapses in Heraklion

A portion of a building collapsed on the pedestrian street of 25th August Street in Heraklion. Municipal police immediately cordoned off the area, while inspections are ongoing in other parts of the city.

School Safety Checks

Authorities in Heraklion and Lasithi ordered immediate inspections of schools, though no issues have been reported so far.

In a statement, the Municipality of Heraklion said:

“All municipal services are on standby following the strong earthquake on the morning of Thursday, May 22.
Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos contacted Professor Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), and local authorities to assess the situation.”

What Seismologists Say
Efthymios Lekkas, President of OASP, noted that:

“The earthquake occurred at a significant depth, which is important because it likely means no tsunami will occur. We also don’t expect serious damage in Crete.”

Thanasis Ganas, Director of Research at the Geodynamic Institute, described it as a typical intermediate-depth earthquake, far from Santorini.

“Such earthquakes are felt over large distances due to the way seismic waves travel,” he explained, adding that only a few aftershocks are expected.

Seismologist Akis Tselentis:

“This was the main shock. The region has been seismically active with micro-earthquakes for the past two years.
It was felt across southern Greece because it occurred above the subducting section of Crete’s solid plate, allowing the waves to propagate widely.”

“I expect a few aftershocks, possibly around 5 Richter, but I don’t believe there will be any significant consequences.”

Second Tremor 15 Minutes Later

Fifteen minutes after the 6.1 quake, a second tremor of magnitude 3.1 struck the same region, with its epicenter 53 km north of Neapoli, Lasithi, and a focal depth of 59.4 km.