A strong earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck the regional unit of Thesprotia in northwestern Greece early Sunday, shaking communities across the wider Epirus region.

According to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, the quake occurred at 5:32 a.m. with an epicenter located 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) east of the village of Leptokarya in Thesprotia. The focal depth was measured at 12.9 kilometers (about 8 miles).

The tremor was widely felt throughout Epirus, alarming residents who rushed outdoors as the ground shook.

Aftershocks follow main quake

Seismologist Efthymis Lekkas told Greece’s public broadcaster ERT that the earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth. He noted that two early aftershocks measuring 4.7 and 3.4 magnitude are considered a positive sign, suggesting the seismic energy may be gradually releasing.

Seismic activity has remained intense in the hours following the main quake. Nearly 10 tremors have already been recorded.

However, Lekkas urged caution. “Buildings that have suffered even minor damage should not be used before they are inspected,” he said.

Power outages and residents outside

The quake also caused temporary power outages in parts of the region.

“People rushed outside and many are frightened. As often happens with earthquakes above magnitude 5, the quake also caused a power outage,” Efthymios Chrysostomou, deputy mayor for Civil Protection in the Municipality of Ioannina, told ERTNews.

Landslide reported on major highway

Regional authorities also reported a landslide along the Egnatia Odos highway, one of northern Greece’s main transportation corridors.

According to the Epirus regional governor, the landslide occurred on the section between Ioannina and Igoumenitsa, near the municipal boundary between Zitsa and Filiates.

No injuries have been reported.

Authorities noted that the areas closest to the epicenter are sparsely populated, which helped reduce the risk to residents.

Minor damage has been reported in some older structures, including cracks in houses and churches in the areas of Dodoni and Driskos.

Greek Civil Protection authorities remain on alert as seismologists continue monitoring the situation. Early indications suggest the 5.3 quake was likely the main seismic event, though aftershocks are expected to continue.