Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
A British vacationer recounted a terrifying ordeal after being awakened by a strong earthquake that struck Crete in the early hours. The 6.1 magnitude earthquake, which originated off the shores of the Greek island, prompted tsunami warnings for several nations, increasing concern among residents and travelers. Earthquake in Crete occurred at 6:19 a.m. local time, approximately 35 miles north-northeast of Heraklion at a depth of about 43 miles, according to the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens.
Tremors Felt Across the Aegean
The tremor was felt intensely across the island, particularly in Chania and Rethymno. Some accounts indicate the shaking was noticeable on various Aegean islands and even in regions of mainland Greece, including Athens. Emergency officials have advised residents to move inland and avoid coastal areas due to the possibility of a tsunami.
Tsunami Alert Issued
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) released a tsunami advisory, urging individuals in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, and Portugal to heed directions from their local emergency services.
Tourist Accounts of Earthquake Experience
British Tourist’s Harrowing Experience
One British tourist shared her experience of being awakened by the earthquake on TikTok in a video captioned “Scariest experience of my life.”
In the video, she stated: “Excuse the state of me. I’ve just been awakened by a f***ing earthquake. I am absolutely petrified. I was literally asleep, and I woke up to the room shaking. I thought the TV was going to fall off. […] I’m so f**ing scarred.”
She also expressed concern about a potential tsunami: “I’m just looking at the sea now thinking, does that look any different?”
Fear and Anxiety Among Visitors
- Another person commented: “It woke us up, but our hotel is at the beach, and I’m scared of a tsunami.”
- Another tourist mentioned in a TikTok video: “That was very scary. I was scared last time, but this time I’m terrified. That’s been two earthquakes in the past week, and I just want to get home safely. I just want to leave. It has put me off coming back.”
- She further added: “Now we’re worried about a tsunami […] This is just my worst nightmare.”
Minimal Damage Reported Initially
Although initial reports indicated no substantial damage, local media showed product scattered across supermarket floors and minor mudslides on rural roadways.