Crete Earthquake and Tsunami Warning

Crete Earthquake and Tsunami Warning – Latest Updates 

[May 15, 2025] 

Get the latest updates on the Crete earthquake (May 12, 2025) and subsequent tsunami warning. Learn about impacts, scientific insights, and safety measures from verified sources like NOA and EMSC.

Crete Earthquake and Tsunami Alert: Key Details  

A significant 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Crete, Greece, on May 12, 2025, prompting immediate tsunami warnings across the eastern Mediterranean. As of May 15, authorities have lifted the alert, but recovery efforts continue. Here’s what you need to know.  

Earthquake Overview 

• Date/Time: May 12, 2025, at 08:17:34 local time (UTC+3).  
• Epicenter: 25 km northeast of Heraklion, Crete (35.2°N, 25.5°E).  
• Depth: 12 km (shallow crustal event).  
• Magnitude: 6.8 (Richter scale) – Reported by the National Observatory of Athens (NOA).  
• Aftershocks: Over 120 recorded, including a 5.3-magnitude tremor on May 13.  

Affected Areas:  

• Crete: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Rethymno experienced strong shaking (VII on Modified Mercalli Scale).  
• Cyclades Islands: Santorini and Naxos reported moderate tremors.  

Tsunami Warning and Impacts 

The Hellenic Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert within 8 minutes of the quake, urging coastal evacuations. Key updates:  

• Wave Observations: Minor tsunami waves (0.3–0.7 meters) reached Crete’s northern shores.  
• Warning Lifted: At 14:00 UTC on May 13, after sea level sensors confirmed no further threats.  
• Source: The tsunami threat was triggered by vertical seafloor displacement near the Hellenic Trench, where the African Plate subducts beneath Eurasia.  

Latest Updates (May 15, 2025)  

1. Casualties/Damage

•     3 fatalities (crumbling structures in Heraklion).  
•     42 injuries; 200+ buildings damaged.  
•     Power restored to 90% of affected areas.  

2. Response Efforts:  

•     Greek Civil Protection deployed rescue teams and temporary shelters.  
•     EU activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service for satellite mapping.  

3. Scientific Analysis:

•     NOA attributes the quake to stress release along the Pliny Fault Zone.  
•     UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is reassessing regional tsunami models.  

Historical Context: Crete’s Seismic Risks  

Crete lies on the Hellenic Arc, one of Europe’s most active seismic zones. Notable past events:  

•  365 AD: M8.5+ quake devastated Alexandria and generated a Mediterranean-wide tsunami.  
•  2021: M6.0 quake near Heraklion caused €150 million in damages.  

Expert Insight:  

“Crete’s geology makes it prone to shallow, destructive quakes. Preparedness is critical,” says Dr. Andreas Papadopoulos, NOA seismologist.  

Safety Measures for Residents and Tourists 

 During Earthquakes: 

•    Drop, Cover, Hold On. Avoid windows.  
•    Evacuate to high ground if near the coast.  

 Post-Quake:  

•    Monitor NOA and EMSC for real-time alerts.  
•    Avoid damaged buildings.  

Emergency Contacts (Greece):  

 Police: 100 | Ambulance: 166 | Fire Department: 199  

Future Preparedness Initiatives 

Following the 2025 quake, Greece announced:  

•  Upgraded Early Warning Systems: 15 new seismic stations funded by the EU.  
•  Community Drills: Nationwide tsunami evacuation演习 scheduled for October 2025.  

Conclusion 

The Crete earthquake underscores the Mediterranean’s vulnerability to seismic hazards. Stay informed via credible sources like NOA and adhere to safety protocols. Our thoughts are with affected communities.  

Sources:  

• 1. National Observatory of Athens (NOA) – 'May 2025 Seismic Report'.  
• 2. Hellenic Tsunami Warning Center – 'Alert Archive'.  
• 3. Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) – 'Real-time Data'.  
• 4. Greek Civil Protection Agency – 'Emergency Updates'.  

Tags: Crete Earthquake 2025, Tsunami Alert Greece, Mediterranean Seismic Activity, Earthquake Safety  

By 24 Hours Worldwide  

Updated: May 15, 2025

Categories: Natural Disasters, Mediterranean News, Safety Guides