Seismologists are on heightened alert following a spike in seismic activity across southeastern Greece, with the Aegean Sea and Crete experiencing a notable rise in tremors in recent days. The uptick has prompted concern among experts, including seismology professor Gerasimos Papadopoulos, who cautioned that the possibility of a major earthquake exceeding magnitude 6 cannot be ruled out.
Indicative of this trend are two significant quakes within the past 24 hours—one registering 5.8 magnitude near Rhodes and another of 5.3 magnitude off the coast of Ierapetra.
The situation remains dynamic, with additional, albeit weaker, tremors occurring early Wednesday in both Crete and Laconia, in the Peloponnese. Experts describe the phenomenon as a “seismic flare-up,” reflecting a sudden release of energy after an unusually quiet period.
According to Papadopoulos, this heightened activity follows over three years without a single earthquake exceeding 5.8 magnitude in the region. He notes that this prolonged lull likely allowed seismic energy to build up, which is now being discharged. The professor underscores that the outlook remains uncertain, as seismic sequences of this nature can evolve in several ways.
One possibility is that the current phase of heightened activity may be drawing to a close. However, it’s also plausible that the sequence could continue, potentially producing stronger quakes that might not be limited to the southeastern Aegean.
Historical precedent shows that past sequences have reached magnitudes as high as 6.6. While the recent tremors have released a significant portion of the accumulated energy, Papadopoulos emphasizes that it is not yet possible to determine with certainty how the situation will unfold.
Given this uncertainty, he stresses the importance of enhancing efforts around preparedness and preventive measures, as the potential for further activity across the country cannot be ruled out.
