A strong and long-lasting earthquake struck on Sunday evening in the sea area south of Methoni, causing concern across much of the Peloponnese.

According to a preliminary assessment by the Geodynamic Institute, the quake occurred approximately 18 kilometers offshore from Methoni. The tremor was recorded at 9:17 p.m. and had a focal depth of 9 kilometers, making it widely felt throughout the region.

Residents reported particularly strong shaking in Kalamata, Pylos, and Methoni, while the earthquake was also felt across large parts of the Peloponnese, prompting alarm among local communities.

Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos noted in a social media post that the event was a “strong shallow earthquake” with a preliminary magnitude of 5.3 in the sea area south of Pylos. He added that the tremor was felt, albeit lightly, in the Attica region as well.

Civil Protection authorities and the Fire Service have been placed on alert throughout Messenia. Inspection teams are carrying out precautionary checks, including in remote areas, to determine whether the earthquake caused any damage or disruptions.

Assessments remain ongoing, but authorities report that the situation currently appears to be fully under control, with no significant problems identified so far.