A significant earthquake measuring between 5.7 and 5.8 magnitude struck off the southeastern coast of Crete early Friday morning, April 24, 2026. The tremor, which occurred at approximately 06:18 am local time, was centered in the sea region roughly 11 to 28 kilometers southeast of Ierapetra.

Despite the substantial magnitude and a relatively shallow depth of approximately 13 to 17 kilometers, local authorities and the Geodynamic Institute in Athens have reported no immediate casualties or severe structural damage.

The earthquake was widely felt throughout Eastern Crete, particularly in the regions of Lasithi and Heraklion. Residents reported a shaking that lasted several seconds, coinciding with the start of the morning commute and daily routines.

In Ierapetra, as the closest major city to the epicenter, residents experienced the strongest vibrations. Civil protection teams were immediately deployed to inspect older residential areas. In Heraklion, shaking was felt as light to moderate, located roughly 90 kilometers from the epicenter. Vice Regional Governor of Lasithi, Giannis Androulakis, confirmed that civil protection services remain on high alert as a precautionary measure.

Seismologists are closely monitoring the area, which is historically active due to the subduction of the African tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian plate. Following the initial 5.8-magnitude event, a sequence of aftershocks has been recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 3.2 to 3.9.

While the tremor caused localized concern, experts attribute the lack of significant damage to Greece’s stringent seismic building codes. Authorities continue to advise residents to remain cautious of potential aftershocks and to follow updates from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and local emergency services.

Fast Facts

Magnitude: 5.8 (USGS/EMSC) / 5.7 (Athens Geodynamic Institute)

Time: 06:18 EEST, April 24, 2026

Epicenter: 11.5 km SE of Ierapetra, Crete

Depth: ~13 km