A powerful earthquake measuring M6.2 struck near the northern coast of Crete, Greece, at 03:19 UTC (06:19 local time) on May 22, 2025. The USGS reported a depth of 64 km (40 miles), while the EMSC measured it at M6.1 with a depth of 75 km (47 miles).
Seismic Activity and Aftershocks
The quake occurred roughly 110 km (68 miles) north-northwest of the M6.0 earthquake that hit the region on May 13. It was preceded by a minor M2.5 tremor on May 21 and followed by several moderate aftershocks:
- M3.5 at 03:24 UTC (5 km / 3.1 miles deep)
- M3.1 at 03:34 UTC
- M3.5 at 04:19 UTC
- M3.1 at 04:27 UTC
Except for the shallow M3.5, all aftershocks occurred between 50 and 65 km (31–40 miles) depth.
Despite the strength of the quake, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Shaking was felt widely across Crete and nearby islands.
Risk Assessment and Structural Vulnerability
The USGS issued a Green alert for potential casualties and economic losses, indicating a low probability of serious impacts. The region’s buildings include both vulnerable types—such as adobe and dressed stone masonry—and more earthquake-resistant construction.
Past seismic events in this region have triggered secondary hazards like landslides, which can worsen overall damage.
Seismic Context and Regional Activity
This latest earthquake follows the M6.0 event on May 13, located to the south-southeast, and comes amid heightened seismic activity in the region. Earlier this year, a significant seismic swarm was reported around the volcanic island of Santorini.
Greek authorities issued a precautionary tsunami alert after the May 13 quake, advising residents in areas like Kásos, Karpathos, and southern Crete to avoid coastal zones. The alert was relayed via emergency notification systems.
Shaking from both May earthquakes was felt across the eastern Mediterranean, including Israel (particularly Tel Aviv), Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Volcanic Background: Santorini and the Hellenic Arc
Santorini, part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, remains an active volcanic island with a powerful geologic legacy. It forms part of a massive caldera created by the Minoan eruption around 1600 BCE—one of the most significant volcanic events in recorded history. That eruption likely contributed to the decline of the Minoan civilization on Crete.
The volcano remains active today, with its most recent eruption occurring between 1939 and 1941. Ongoing seismic swarms and hydrothermal activity near Nea Kameni continue to be monitored closely.
