Crete Earthquake: Large Tremor Hits Mediterranean Island Causing Fears of Damage
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 has struck the island of Crete in Greece, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The quake was recorded at a depth of 83 km, or 51.57 miles, beneath the earth’s surface.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a slightly lower quake, at 6.1 magnitude. The current damage to the island is not currently known, although the USGS estimates that there is little risk of landslides or liquefaction, the loss of the ground’s structural integrity, occurring.
According to the USGS, tremors will likely have been felt across dozens of Greece’s islands, as well as the western coast of Turkey. Tremors are also likely to have been felt inland, around the Muğla and Aydın provinces of Turkey. Shaking was reported as far as Egypt, Syria and Israel.
The region lies in one of the most seismically active zones in Europe, where the African and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Earthquakes are common in this zone, particularly along the Hellenic Arc, which has produced several large and damaging events in the past.
The Daily Mail reports that Crete is home to more than 624,000 people, with around a third of the island’s population living in the capital city of Heraklion. The island is also one of the most popular holiday destinations in the whole of Greece, with 15% of visitors arriving in Heraklion.
Generally, any earthquake above a 6.0 can cause damage if it hits a populated area. According to Michigan Tech University, an estimated 100 earthquakes with a magnitude between 6.1 and 6.9 are recorded every year.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the earthquake has caused concerns about potential damage to the island. The German Research Centre for Geosciences and the USGS will likely continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the extent of the damage.
The earthquake has highlighted the seismic activity in the region and the need for preparedness and caution. The Daily Mail will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
The source of this article is the Daily Mail, which first reported on the earthquake and its impact on the island of Crete. Further information can be found on their website: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14709307/Crete-earthquake-Large-tremor-hits-Mediterranean-island-causing-fears-damage.html.
The impact of this earthquake is still being assessed, and the Daily Mail will provide updates as the situation develops.
In related news, residents and tourists on the island are advised to take necessary precautions and follow local authorities’ instructions.
For those interested in staying up-to-date with the latest developments on this story, the Daily Mail’s website will have the most recent information.
Further updates will be provided as the situation continues to unfold.
According to a spokesperson, "more to follow".
