Earthquake rocks Kasos, Greece, intense emotions in the eastern Mediterranean

A strong earthquake of 6.1 on the Richter scale hit the southern Greek coastline in early Wednesday. The US Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquake hit at 1:51 local time and had a depth of approximately 78 kilometers. The epicenter was only 15 kilometers from the capital city of Kasos, Fira, and approximately 112 kilometers from the city of Agios Nikolaos in the island of Crete.

The tremors did not remain limited to Kasos or Crete but extended to the Greek mainland, the island of Karpathos, the Dodecanese, and a vast expanse of the eastern Mediterranean. The tremors reached even sections of Israel and Egypt, reflecting the extent of the earthquake.

As per preliminary reports, moderate shaking was experienced on the islands of Kasos and Karpathos. Eastern Crete also experienced the tremors. While no significant damage has been reported till now, and no victims have been reported. However, the situation is being monitored by local authorities as well as international seismological communities.

Greece lies in an area where the Eurasian and African tectonic plates are converging into each other. The area, known as the Hellenic Arc, has been struck by several calamitous earthquakes in the past. Thus, they are viewed from time to time here.

Such earthquakes are typically deeper but their intensity is slightly lessened, though intense. But the threat of aftershocks or earthquakes repeating after the quake is possible. Hence, area residents have been told to be cautious.

The prompt response of the administration in handling the crisis is appreciable. Even though there is no threat of extensive damage at this point in time, the scenario is being treated with caution until reports and analyses are ready.