A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck just before 2 a.m. on Wednesday off the coast of Kasos. According to the Geodynamic Institute, the epicenter was located 20 kilometers south of Kasos with a focal depth of 64.4 kilometers.
The tremor was strongly felt in Crete, Rhodes, and Kos. Shortly after the quake, a tsunami warning was issued via 112. According to the Mayor of Kasos, Michalis Erotokritos, there have been no reported impacts from the seismic event on Kasos or Karpathos thus far.
Leading Greek Earthquake Expert Says Quakes at This Depth Are Isolated Events
Speaking to national TV ERTNews, Professor of Geology and President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) Efthymis Lekkas appeared reassuring.
“The key characteristic of this major tremor is its focal depth of 60 kilometers. This means that the seismic waves reached Kasos and Karpathos in a weakened state and even more so in Crete. According to the initial data and first-hand accounts from residents, we do not have any significant impacts, though we still do not have the full picture,” he stated.
Lekkas emphasized that earthquakes at such depths are typically isolated events, occurring as single, one-off tremors without significant foreshocks or aftershocks.
“This was essentially a quake along the Hellenic Arc, the area where the European and African plates collide,” he noted.
No Connection to Earthquakes in Santorini or Turkey
According to Lekkas, the earthquake is unrelated to the recent seismic activity in Santorini and Turkey.
“There is absolutely no connection with the quakes in Santorini; the geotectonic framework is entirely different. Likewise, there is no connection with the earthquake in Turkey. We are right on the Hellenic Arc, whereas the quakes in Santorini are within the volcanic arc, and those in Turkey occur along the East Anatolian fault. Thus, there is no connection whatsoever,” he said.
Lekkas added, “I do not expect a significant aftershock sequence, nor can this quake be considered a precursor to a larger event, given the defining factor of the 60-kilometer depth. We will likely not see any major foreshocks or aftershocks.”
He also noted the possibility of landslides, particularly in Karpathos.
