6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Greece
On May 14, 2025, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Greece, centered approximately 15 kilometers south of Fry, Kasos, at a depth of 78 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred at 1:51 AM local time, was felt across the eastern Mediterranean, including in Crete, Rhodes, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. The Greek Emergency Management agency reported the quake as a 5.9 magnitude event, located nearly 30 miles southeast of Kasos, and issued a precautionary tsunami warning, urging residents to move away from coastal areas immediately.
Affected countries: Türkiye, Egypt, Greece, and Libya
No immediate reports of serious damage or injuries have emerged, though the tremor’s effects were widely felt, with shaking reported as far away as Cairo. The Athens Geodynamic Institute noted the quake’s epicenter near Karpathos at a depth of 35 kilometers, highlighting Greece’s position as one of Europe’s most seismically active regions. Authorities temporarily issued a tsunami alert, which was later lifted, and no significant property damage has been confirmed. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and other sources reported magnitudes ranging from 6.0 to 6.3, reflecting minor variations in early assessments.
This event follows heightened seismic activity in Greece, including recent quakes near Santorini and a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the Ionian Sea in 2018. Social media posts on X captured public reactions, with some users referencing the quake’s intensity and its broad regional impact. Greece’s seismic history, including the devastating 1956 Amorgos earthquake, underscores the region’s vulnerability to such events. Authorities continue to monitor for aftershocks, and residents are advised to remain vigilant.
