Overview and Background Information
On the morning of Tuesday (local time), a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the Greek island of Euboea, causing noticeable shaking in Athens, according to authorities.
The quake occurred at 00:30 local time (21:30 GMT) approximately 45 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Athens, reported the Geodynamics Institute of the National Observatory of Athens.
The epicenter was located 4 kilometers off the coastal town of Nea Styra, situated on the southwestern part of Euboea, Greece’s second-largest island, as per the institute.
No immediate reports of casualties or damage have been released.
Seismic Activity in Greece
Greece, situated above multiple fault lines in the southeastern Mediterranean, frequently experiences seismic activity.
The most recent fatal earthquake occurred in October 2020 on the island of Samos in the Aegean Sea.
With a magnitude of 7, this quake resulted in two deaths on Samos and over 100 fatalities in the Turkish port city of Izmir.
Impact and Context
Euboea, also known as Evia, is the second-largest island in Greece and home to approximately 200,000 people. The island’s proximity to the capital city of Athens and its significant population make this earthquake noteworthy.
The National Observatory of Athens, established in 1879, is the primary organization responsible for monitoring and studying seismic activity in Greece. The Geodynamics Institute, a division of the observatory, plays a crucial role in assessing earthquake risks and providing timely information to the public.
Greece’s location in a seismically active region makes it prone to earthquakes. The country has experienced numerous significant quakes throughout history, with some causing substantial damage and loss of life.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the magnitude of the earthquake? The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.3.
- Where did the earthquake occur? The earthquake struck the Greek island of Euboea.
- When did the earthquake occur? The earthquake occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday (local time).
- Were there any immediate reports of casualties or damage? No, no immediate reports of casualties or damage have been released.
- Why is Greece prone to earthquakes? Greece’s location above multiple fault lines in the southeastern Mediterranean makes it susceptible to seismic activity.
