Heraklion, Greece – A strong earthquake rattled southern Greece late Tuesday, shaking the Dodecanese islands and parts of Crete after a magnitude 6.1 tremor struck just south of Kasos.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit at 10:51 p.m. UTC (1:51 a.m. local time Wednesday), with the epicenter located 15 kilometers south of Fry on Kasos Island at a depth of 78.4 kilometers. Though the quake was widely felt—particularly in Heraklion, Rhodes, and even parts of western Turkey—there are no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.
Residents in Heraklion described furniture rattling and mild swaying, while others in Rhodes and the eastern Aegean reported being jolted awake. Emergency management officials across Crete and the Dodecanese are assessing infrastructure but have not issued evacuation orders.
USGS classified the shaking intensity as Level VI (strong) near the epicenter, though its depth likely reduced the potential for serious surface damage. The agency’s PAGER system issued a green alert, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or economic losses.
Aftershocks may follow in the coming days. Authorities advise residents to remain cautious, avoid unstable structures, and check for official updates.
