A strong earthquake struck the island of Crete (Greece) on Monday, September 27, 2021. The strength of the earthquake is estimated at approximately 5.8 on the Richter scale. Many houses were destroyed, one person was killed. ⛰ Latest news on the situation in Crete after the earthquake.
The epicenter of the earthquake was in the area of the municipality of Minoa Pediada, near the town of Arkalohori, at a distance of about 25 kilometers from the city of Heraklion. (It is south of the city, inland of the island.) 🏚
According to the testimony of local residents and tourists, the earthquake was of a long duration and was felt throughout the island. The tremors were felt not only in Heraklion (which was the epicenter), but also in Chania and Rethymno.
After that, dozens of aftershocks were registered. A new strong earthquake hit on Tuesday.
According to some seismologists, a series of strong aftershocks will continue (presumably) for a month. It is likely with a strength of up to 6.5 on the Richter scale.
The inhabitants of the island are going through very difficult days. Many of them were forced to spend the night in tents, some were accommodated in hotels. No one can feel completely safe, especially in the central part of Crete.
September 29 (Wednesday). Several tremors have occurred in Crete over the past 24 hours. The strength of the shocks ranged from 2 to 3.4 points on the Richter scale. It is reported that "Arkalohori sank down 15 cm." Seismologists warn that seismic activity will continue for weeks or even months.
September 29, 2021. Two strong shocks occurred at about 15:00. One with a value of 4.6 and the second - 4.3 on the Richter scale. Seven hundred seventy-two houses were declared unfit for habitation out of 995, which were checked by engineers in the municipalities of Minoa - Pediada, Archanes - Asterousia, Heraklion, Malevizi and Lassithi plateau.
01 October 2021. A new earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale occurred on Friday afternoon 18:34 7 km south-southwest of Arkalohori in Crete.
October 12, 2021. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck at 12:24 pm southeast of the coast of Crete (23 km east of the village of Zakros in the sea). The tremors were felt not only in the eastern part of the island, but also in Rhodes and Turkey.
October 15, 2021. A weak seismic shock with a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale occurred on Friday morning (October 15) in the underwater zone east of Crete.
October 19, 2021. On Tuesday morning, an earthquake struck 127 km southeast of the island of Karpathos in the sea. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale. The shook was felt on the islands of Crete, Santorini, Rhodes (as well as in other countries). There is no information about the destruction. The island of Karpathos is located about 80 kilometers east of Crete.
Rhodes is another great vacation destination.
According to media reports, many tourists are abandoning travel to Crete now. They not only fear for their lives. Some tourists do not find it acceptable to enjoy their vacation and travel, while some of the islanders suffer.
There is another point of view: tourism supports the economy of the island, refusing to travel to the island would be another blow to the economy.
To travel or not to travel, that is the question!
Should you go on vacation to Crete now or not? We do not think that your life will be in danger in the western part of the island (Chania). But you have to decide for yourself. Stay tuned for news and consult your travel agent.
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