Aftershocks following the 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Crete – What seismologists are saying

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.7 occurred on Friday morning (April 24) off the coast of Lasithi and was felt throughout Crete, causing concern among residents.

According to the Mayor of Sitia, Giorgos Zervakis, “The earthquake was intense and lasted quite a while. This created unrest among the residents, who continue to feel tremors, as aftershocks are likely being recorded.” Both the Mayor of Sitia and the Mayor of Ierapetra, Manolis Fragoulis, have communicated with all relevant authorities since early in the morning, advising calmness to the public, emphasizing that the situation is being monitored.

So far, based on checks by the Fire Department, there have been no reports of damage.

However, after the 5.7 magnitude earthquake, several aftershocks have been recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 3.5 to 4.2.

At 11:58, a strong seismic tremor of 5.0 magnitude was recorded, with the epicenter located in the sea area 18 km south of Gouves, Lasithi. According to seismologist Akis Tselentis, due to the shallow focal depth of the earthquake, many smaller aftershocks are expected in the coming 24 hours, but he urges citizens to remain calm.

Mr. Tselentis recommends avoiding swimming in the sea. “Let’s avoid swimming for a while, even a half-meter sea seismic wave is dangerous for small children.”

According to him, “there is no need for panic,” as the phenomenon is likely to end with smaller tremors, but it is important to wait for its spatial and temporal development in the coming days.

Here is the detailed post by Mr. Tselentis:

“STRONG SEISMIC TREMOR IN CRETE 24/04/2026 06:18, M=5.7, EPICENTER: 405 KM NNA OF ATHENS, 25 KM NND OF GOUVES LASITHIOU IN THE SEA AREA.

The earthquake was felt throughout Crete. It is expected, and it should not worry you.

In recent months, we have recorded a strong microseismic sequence in the area.

For a few days, follow the usual measures and call engineers to check your homes if they are old and show signs of wear.

Due to the shallow focal depth (10 km), there will be many smaller earthquakes in the next 24 hours.

There is no need for panic, and the phenomenon will likely end with smaller earthquakes, BUT TO BE SURE, WE NEED TO WAIT TO SEE THE SPATIAL-TEMPORAL EVOLUTION IN THE NEXT DAYS. IT IS VERY LIKELY WE WON’T HAVE A LARGER EARTHQUAKE.

I remind you that the biggest danger comes from heavy objects inside our homes and from panic. There is no reason to lose your calm.

Since last summer, when I was swimming in the area, I felt many tremors and posted related instructions for protecting small children from small tsunamis.

The area has had strong tremors in the past. Specifically, on May 2, 2020, an earthquake of magnitude 6.6 occurred slightly to the south, which did not cause significant damage, but a small tsunami was created and recorded in Ierapetra and Kasos.

As the tourist season begins, do not spread the well-known EARTHQUAKE PANIC. Foreigners are not familiar with earthquakes, so inform them that this is a common phenomenon in Greece! They are more likely to be in danger of a drone screw falling on their head from Iran 🙂

LET’S AVOID SWIMMING FOR A WHILE, EVEN A HALF-METER SEA SEISMIC WAVE IS DANGEROUS FOR SMALL CHILDREN.

NEW DATA: THE AFTERSHOCK SEQUENCE IS NORMAL!!

(**) In general, earthquakes in Crete are due to the collision of the African and Eurasian “plates.” As they move in opposite directions, the African plate is subducted under the Eurasian plate in a process that has been ongoing for millions of years.

Crete has the misfortune of being located right at the point where these two colossal plates collide.”

Reassuring comments from seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos

Seismology professor Gerasimos Papadopoulos immediately commented on the development of the phenomenon, noting that aftershocks are already being recorded, and several earthquakes had preceded it in the past few days.

He appeared reassuring, emphasizing that the seismic activity is occurring at a significant distance from Crete, which reduces the risk of serious consequences even if a larger earthquake occurs.

As he explained:

“A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.7 occurred in the sea area southeast of Ierapetra, Crete. Aftershocks are already following, with the largest so far being M3.8. Several foreshocks preceded this in the past days.

The seismic activity is developing at a significant distance from Crete, which reduces the risk even if a larger earthquake occurs.

On May 2, 2020, an earthquake with magnitude 6.6 occurred slightly to the south, but it did not cause significant damage due to the distance. At that time, a small tsunami was generated and recorded in Ierapetra and Kasos.”