A sequence of earthquakes rattled the northern Gulf of Evia shortly after 1:00 PM local time on Sunday, with the strongest tremor registering approximately magnitude 5.2. The initial shaking lasted about 20 seconds and was followed by several aftershocks within minutes, according to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens.
Residents in the Greek capital, Athens, reported feeling repeated tremors across multiple districts, though authorities have confirmed no damage or injuries in the city. The epicenter was located in the sea near the northern coast of Evia, an island east of the mainland.
Landslides and Monitoring
The mayor of Mantoudi, a town in northern Evia, stated that landslides have occurred at several points along the local road network. Emergency services are assessing the situation, and drivers have been advised to avoid affected routes.
Seismologists are closely monitoring the activity over the next 48 hours to determine whether further significant shocks may follow. The region is known for moderate seismic activity, but the clustering of quakes around magnitude 5.2 has prompted heightened vigilance.
Greece is one of Europe's most seismically active countries, lying at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. This event comes after a deep 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck southern Italy earlier this year, which also caused no reported damage.
While no structural damage has been reported in Athens, the tremors served as a reminder of the region's geological volatility. The Greek government has not issued any evacuation orders, but local authorities remain on alert.
The quakes occurred as Greece continues to make economic progress, having been cleared to repay €6.95 billion in bailout loans ahead of schedule. The country's infrastructure resilience is being tested as it balances recovery from past financial crises with natural hazards.
Scientists from the University of Athens and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre are analyzing data to assess the likelihood of a larger event. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed through official channels.
