An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck the region of Mount Athos in Halkidiki, Macedonia, on Saturday afternoon, according to initial data from the Geodynamic Institute of Greece. The epicenter was pinpointed 9 kilometers west of the administrative capital of the monastic community, Karyes, with a shallow focal depth of 12.5 kilometers. The tremor was felt across Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, and several parts of Macedonia.
A second tremor followed just five minutes later, at 3:53 PM, with a magnitude of 4.0 and the same epicentral area.
Speaking to national broadcaster ERT, seismologist Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), noted that seismic activity in the Mount Athos sea region had been ongoing for 20 months, peaking between May and July last year, before seeming to subside—only to now return with increased intensity.
Lekkas added that he may conduct an on-site inspection, stating, “We are closely and regularly monitoring the phenomenon, as it is an unusual seismic sequence with unpredictable evolution.”
He emphasized that while Mount Athos is not densely populated, the ancient monasteries, though resilient for centuries, are structurally vulnerable in certain sections, particularly abandoned or older areas.
“The buildings have stood for thousands of years,” Lekkas said, “but their age brings structural fragilities. We’ve seen this in specific parts of the monastic complexes.”
While reassuring that there is no immediate cause for alarm, he acknowledged the scientific uncertainty: “It’s still unclear how powerful a quake this area could generate, given its location in a submarine zone. We will have a clearer picture in the coming hours.”
Authorities have activated a dedicated early warning system, Greece’s official emergency response plan for seismic events. Coordination is ongoing with the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Fire Service chief, and the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
