A powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake has hit the popular holiday destination of Crete in Greece, just weeks after another temblor killed a man on the island
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Animated video shows earthquake radius near Sitia
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake has struck the Greek island of Crete on Tuesday.
According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the quake had a depth of 10km when it struck at about 9:30am.
It comes just weeks after another temblor killed a man on the island and damaged hundreds of buildings.
A resident of the town Analipsi reported to the EMSC: “Massive tremor. The whole house shook side to side by at least 15 centimetres. It lasted about 20 seconds.'”
There have been no reports of injuries or deaths yet.
The earthquake occurred undersea off the eastern coast of the island.
The Greek island of Crete has been struck by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake
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Image:
Getty Images/500px Prime)
Authorities have reportedly said there is yet no indication that a tsunami might strike as a result of the earthquake.
People commented on Twitter saying the tremor was so strong it was felt in Kefalos, Kos.
One witness, Yorgos Saslis, wrote: “We REALLY FELT this one. All good over here – just a few shattered picture frames. Hope everyone else is doing ok!!”
Another user, tweeting under the handle @unbotheredsetsu, said: “Let’s just say I got scared to death!
“A big one that lasted for quite some time.”
The earthquake occurred undersea off the eastern coast of the island
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Image:
USGS HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Seismologist at Imperial College London Dr Stephen Hicks, however, tried to reassure the public as he pointed out how the epicentre location off the south-east coast of the island may be “good news for minimising building damage due to shaking”.
An earthquake 23km southeast of island capital city Heraklion claimed the life of a man at the end of September and caused damage to buildings.
The man died after the dome of the Church of Prophet Elias in the town of Arkalochori – which appeared to be the worst hit – collapsed trapping three workers inside, reported protothema.gr.
British tourists told the Mirror how people were “running and screaming” as they spilled out onto the streets, and the floor was “shaking from side to side”.
Greece is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, meaning earthquakes are common.
However, compared to other more active parts of the world, most Greek earthquakes are relatively mild.
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