Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits near the coast of Crete, Greece

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the EMSC as M6.6 hit near the coast of Crete, Greece at 12:51 UTC on May 2, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 17 km (10.5 miles). The quake was followed by M5.3 at 13:33 and M4.7 at 13:45 UTC, according to the USGS.

The epicenter was located 89.6 km (55.7 miles) S of Nea Anatoli, Crete, and 89.8 km (55.8 miles) S of Ierapetra, Crete, Greece.

There are 32 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

478 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 12 000 weak.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are rubble/fieldstone with lime and unknown/miscellaneous types of construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Image credit: Google, TW/SAM

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM