Athens (dpa) – An earthquake has shaken the western part of the tourist island of Crete. According to initial measurements by the Greek capital’s Geodynamic Institute, the quake had a magnitude of 5.3 and occurred at 7:02 a.m. local time (6:02 a.m. CEST). The earthquake was centered about 18 kilometers (11 miles) below the seabed, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the island’s southern coast, near the small port town of Paleochora.
This was preceded by numerous smaller earthquakes in the region. Civil Protection initially refused to say whether there were any casualties or damage to buildings. No tsunami warning was issued.
“We are observing the phenomenon and we cannot yet say whether this was the main earthquake,” seismologist Gerasimos Chouliaras told Greek Radio (ERT). Local media reporters reported that there were initially no reports of injuries. But many people were woken from their sleep. The quake was felt in large parts of Crete, the broadcaster reported.
The African and European plates meet beneath the seabed south of Crete. Violent earthquakes occur repeatedly.
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