Strong earthquake, 6.1 Richter, off Crete causes disruption in many areas of Greece

The epicentre of the earthquake is located 56 km north northeast of Heraklion

A very strong earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, occurred at 06:19 (Greek time) 56 kilometers north-northeast of Heraklion, Crete, according to data from the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens.The focal depth is estimated to have been 60.3 kilometres.Based on initial information, the earthquake caused disruption to the residents of Crete, and was particularly felt on the Aegean islands and in areas of mainland Greece.The intensity and duration of the earthquake was high in Chania and Rethymno with the alert from google that arrived on mobile phones recommending instructions.In fact, there were reports from residents of Athens that they felt the powerful earthquake.Several aftershocks followed.The fire services of Crete have been put on general alert. Fire brigade vehicles are already on patrol to control the situation.According to reports, small landslides on the provincial road network have been recorded as consequences of the earthquake, as well as small parts falling off a building in Heraklion, Crete.The services of both the region of Crete and the municipalities are in a state of increased preparedness.Speaking to ERT, the president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization Efthimios Lekkas noted that it was positive that the epicenter of the earthquake was located in the sea, and that there is probably no fear of a tsunami.Lekkas referred to an earthquake of significant depth that is difficult to transfer to the surface, at the confluence of the African and European plates, which has produced strong earthquakes in the past and is not related to Santorini.The mayor of Agios Nikolaos, Manolis Menegakis, speaking to Mega TV station, said that the earthquake was very strong, but confirmed that there were no reports of damage. "We are vigilant," he said.