The island of Evia in central Greece has been left reeling after a series of strong earthquakes struck the region in the early hours of Monday, leading to widespread structural damage and a declaration of a state of emergency in the municipality of Limni-Mantoudi-Agia Anna.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures

According to local authorities, over 50 buildings—including homes, public buildings, and schools—have sustained damage, while at least three houses have been deemed uninhabitable and are scheduled for demolition. Families affected by the destruction will be temporarily housed in a guesthouse operated by the local Metropolis in Prokopi.

The Deputy Minister of the Interior, Vassilis Spanakis, visited the affected areas on Monday, reassuring residents that the government is actively coordinating damage assessments. “Specialized teams will be here tomorrow to carry out thorough inspections of buildings. Remain calm—everything will be addressed,” he stated.

(ΘΟΔΩΡΗΣ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)

Schools Closed as Safety Inspections Continue

Authorities have closed all schools in the municipality of Mantoudi, including those in Prokopi, Pili, Kirinthos, and Mantoudi, as structural assessments continue. Notably, cracks have been reported in nearly all school buildings in the municipal unit of Kireas.

The closures affect all educational levels, including:

  • The Vocational and General High Schools of Mantoudi
  • Primary schools in Kirinthos and Kechries
  • The Gymnasium and primary school of Prokopi
  • The Kindergarten of Prokopi

Only the 1st Evening Vocational High School of Mantoudi remains open.

(ΘΟΔΩΡΗΣ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)

Cultural Heritage Sites Also Affected

The Holy Shrine of Saint John the Russian in Prokopi did not escape the quake’s impact. Structural cracks have appeared in the building’s walls, prompting concerns over the preservation of this important religious and cultural site.

Experts Warn of Persistent Seismic Risk

Seismologists are closely monitoring the area, particularly after the 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck at 03:23 a.m. on Monday. Experts warn that the region is seismically active and should not be underestimated.

“Evia is crisscrossed with fault lines that have a long history of activation,” noted Professor of Seismology Gerasimos Papadopoulos, emphasizing the risk posed by its proximity to residential and tourist zones.

Meanwhile, geologist Efthymios Lekkas added, “While Evia’s active faults are well-mapped, many towns and villages in the area suffer from a lack of adequate seismic protection.”

Σεισμός μεγέθους 4,5 βαθμών της κλίμακας Ρίχτερ στην Εύβοια, Δευτέρα 19 Μαΐου 2025. Ο σεισμός καταγράφηκε στις 03.23 τα ξημερώματα και σύμφωνα με το Γεωδυναμικό Ινστιτούτο του Εθνικού Αστεροσκοπείου Αθηνών το επίκεντρο εντοπίστηκε τρία χιλιόμετρα ανατολικά του χωριού Προκόπι, σε απόσταση περίπου 86 χιλιομέτρων βόρεια-βορειοδυτικά της Αθήνας. Η δόνηση εντάσσεται σε ένα συνεχές σεισμικό φαινόμενο που εκδηλώνεται από το πρωί της Κυριακής (18/05) στην ευρύτερη περιοχή, με δεκάδες σεισμούς μικρού και μεσαίου μεγέθους. Έχουν αναφερθεί ρωγμές σε τουλάχιστον 20 κατοικίες, καταστήματα και στο Μουσείο του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Ρώσου.
(ΘΟΔΩΡΗΣ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)

Ongoing Monitoring and Community Response

Teams from Division for the Recovery from the Impact of Natural Disasters (DAEFK) and structural engineers are conducting continuous assessments, focusing especially on the area between Pili and Prokopi, where the earthquake’s epicenter is believed to be located. At least fifty homes in this zone have shown visible cracking, with many more under inspection.

Local authorities and residents remain on high alert as the aftershock sequence unfolds. Scientists urge residents to stay vigilant yet calm, as seismic activity may continue in the coming days.