Mount Athos remains on heightened alert following a 4.9-magnitude earthquake that struck late Wednesday night, March 25, unsettling monks and pilgrims across the monastic community.

The tremor, which lasted several seconds and was accompanied by a deep rumbling sound, caused alarm throughout the area. Initial reports confirm material damage to historic buildings and monastic cells, particularly around Karyes, the administrative center of the peninsula.

During the quake, part of a chandelier broke off inside the church of the Esphigmenou Monastery’s representative building, highlighting the intensity of the shaking.

Ongoing Aftershock Sequence
The main earthquake was followed by a strong aftershock sequence, with more than 26 tremors recorded so far. The most powerful aftershock reached a magnitude of 3.4, while smaller quakes continued overnight.

Another tremor measuring 3.1 struck in the early hours of the morning at 04:14. Its epicenter was located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Karyes, with a focal depth estimated at 11.5 kilometers.

The seismic activity was felt beyond Mount Athos, with residents in Halkidiki and Thessaloniki also reporting noticeable shaking.

Experts Urge Caution, Not Alarm
Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), told state broadcaster ERT that the quake occurred in the same area where prolonged seismic activity had been recorded for 22 months, ending last September.

“Without any prior indication, we suddenly experienced a 4.9-magnitude earthquake. Caution is needed. The sequence is evolving normally, and I do not believe there is cause for concern,” Lekkas said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as aftershocks persist.