6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Off Crete Felt Across Malta
A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Greek island of Crete early Thursday morning, with tremors felt as far away as Malta.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake hit 82 kilometres northeast of Crete’s capital, Heraklion, at a depth of 68 kilometres. The University of Malta’s Seismic Monitoring Group confirmed the tremor was picked up by its sensors, with residents across the island — including in Sliema, Marsascala and Buġibba — reporting that they felt the shake.
No injuries or damage were reported in Malta.
The region around Crete and Santorini has been experiencing a spike in seismic activity in recent months. AFP reports that thousands of smaller earthquakes have been recorded in the Cyclades since January, prompting temporary school closures on several islands.
While the area is known for regular seismic activity due to the convergence of the African and Anatolian tectonic plates, experts said this was the strongest event of its kind recorded in the region since 1964.
Let us know in the comments if you felt it
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