A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday, sending shock waves across the Eastern Mediterranean, with tremors felt as far as central Israel and parts of Egypt.
According to the German Research Center for Geosciences, the quake occurred at a depth of 83 kilometers, contributing to its widespread impact.
In Israel, residents, particularly in Tel Aviv and surrounding central regions, reported feeling the ground shake. No immediate reports of injuries or damage emerged from the country.
Similarly, Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics confirmed that the quake, which it measured at 6.4 magnitude, was felt 431 kilometers off Egypt’s northern coast.
The institute reported no casualties or property damage in Egypt.
Earthquakes in the Eastern Mediterranean are not uncommon, and their effects are periodically felt in Israel. The region’s seismic activity has prompted growing concern about preparedness.
In February, the deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council held a meeting to underscore the need for enhanced measures to address the risks of tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in the region.
As seismic events continue to affect the Eastern Mediterranean, authorities in Israel and neighboring countries are urged to prioritize disaster readiness to mitigate potential impacts.