File photo.
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck the southern island of Crete on Friday just before midday, hours after a stronger tremor rattled the same area earlier in the morning, authorities said.
According to the National Observatory of Athens’ Geodynamics Institute, the latest quake hit about 18 kilometers south of Lasithi at a depth of 5.7 kilometers. There were no reports of injuries or damage.
Earlier Friday, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck roughly 23 kilometers south-southwest of Lasithi at a depth of 9.7 kilometers. No casualties or damage were reported from that tremor.
Seismologist Akis Tselentis sought to reassure the public in a social media post, saying the activity was expected after months of increased minor tremors in the area. He noted the shallow depth could trigger smaller aftershocks in the coming days but said a stronger quake is unlikely, while stressing the need for continued monitoring.
He urged residents to follow basic safety measures, have older buildings checked for damage, and avoid swimming for the next few days, warning that even small sea waves of about half a meter could pose risks, especially to children.