Athens, May 14, 2025 — A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Kasos Island in Greece early Wednesday morning, triggering widespread tremors that were felt as far away as central Israel, Egypt, Libya, Türkiye, and other parts of the eastern Mediterranean region. Although no casualties or major damages were immediately reported, the event raised concerns across multiple countries.
Epicenter and Geological Details
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 14 kilometers, with its epicenter located approximately 9 miles (around 15 km) south of Fry, Greece. The Geodynamic Institute of Greece reported that the quake originated in the marine region between Kasos and Karpathos, about 20 km south of Kasos, at a focal depth of 64.4 kilometers.
The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also confirmed the earthquake, placing the epicenter 38 km south of Karpathos at a depth of 71 kilometers. Tremors were felt strongly across Greek islands such as Crete and Rhodes, as well as in surrounding countries across the Mediterranean basin.
Aftershocks and Tsunami Advisory
Two smaller aftershocks followed the main quake in the same offshore region:
At 3:30 AM, a tremor of 2.8 magnitude
At 3:57 AM, a 3.4 magnitude aftershock was recorded, centered 15 km south of Kasos at a depth of 47.2 kilometers
In response, Greece’s emergency management authority issued a precautionary tsunami advisory, urging coastal residents to move away from the shoreline until further assessments could be made.
Authorities and Experts Respond
Prominent Greek seismologist and head of the Organization for Earthquake Planning and Protection, Efthymis Lekkas, reassured the public that the event appears to be a one-time, deep-seated seismic occurrence, typical of the region’s geological behavior.
“The depth of this earthquake — approximately 60 kilometers — significantly reduced its surface-level impact on populated areas like Kasos and Karpathos,” Lekkas stated.
He emphasized that there is no direct geological link between this quake and recent seismic activity in Santorini or Türkiye, as those regions fall within different tectonic frameworks, such as volcanic arcs and fault zones.
No Immediate Damage Reported
As per reports from ABC News and local Greek media, no significant damage or casualties have been reported at this time. However, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to remain alert for further updates.
Geological Context
Greece is located in a highly seismic region, where the African plate subducts beneath the Eurasian plate. Earthquakes are common, especially in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean zones, making advanced preparedness and regional monitoring crucial for risk mitigation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
