KASOS ISLAND, GREECE – A moderate earthquake struck south of the Greek island of Kasos early Wednesday, triggering a temporary tsunami warning for coastal areas. Authorities have since lifted the warning after no significant wave activity was observed. No damage or injuries have been reported.

• Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake: A moderate earthquake struck south of Kasos Island in Greece early Wednesday.
• Tsunami Warning Issued and Lifted: A precautionary tsunami warning for southern coastal areas was issued but later canceled after no significant waves were observed.
• No Major Damage Reported: Despite being widely felt, the deep-seated earthquake caused no significant damage or injuries.

Earthquake Details

“The earthquake’s depth likely mitigated its impact on land, contributing to the lack of reported damage”

The earthquake, measured at approximately magnitude 6.0 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred at 1:51 AM Eastern European Time (22:51 GMT Tuesday). Its epicenter was located roughly 23 kilometers (14 miles) south-southeast of Fry, the capital of Kasos, at a considerable depth of about 74 kilometers (45 miles).

The tremor was widely felt across the eastern Mediterranean, including Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and parts of Egypt. The earthquake’s depth likely mitigated its impact on land, contributing to the lack of reported damage.

Tsunami Warning and Response

“While Mediterranean earthquakes can sometimes generate tsunamis, the probability for this event was deemed low due to its magnitude”

Following the earthquake, a precautionary tsunami warning was issued by Greek authorities for the southern coasts, particularly affecting Kasos, Karpathos, and southern Crete.

Residents and tourists were promptly advised by the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection via social media to evacuate coastal zones and adhere to instructions from local officials. While Mediterranean earthquakes can sometimes generate tsunamis, the probability for this event was deemed low due to its magnitude. Significant tsunamis are typically associated with earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7.0 and occurring at shallower depths, with major events often linked to magnitudes above 8.0. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, for instance, was caused by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake.

Given the proximity of the epicenter to the coastline, any potential tsunami waves would have had a relatively short travel time to shore.

Current Status

As of Wednesday afternoon local time, the tsunami warning has been lifted as no significant wave activity materialized. Authorities continue to monitor the situation. Earlier precautionary measures, such as the movement of people away from coastlines, have been stood down. Air travel at nearby airports, including those on Kasos, Karpathos, and Crete, experienced minimal disruption, with only minor delays reported at Rhodes International Airport.