An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck at 3:23 a.m. on Monday, approximately three kilometers east of the village of Prokopi in Evia, Greece, according to the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens. There have been no reports of injuries or damage.
The tremor was also felt in the Attica region. This marks the third seismic event recorded in the same area within the last 24 hours.
Speaking to ERT, Efthymios Lekkas, Professor of Geology and President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), sought to reassure the public.
“This is the third earthquake above magnitude 4 in the past 24 hours, signaling the beginning of a period of seismic activity. As I mentioned from the start, we expected earthquakes in the 4 to 5 magnitude range over the coming days. This pattern is consistent with what we’ve seen in previous seismic episodes,” Mr. Lekkas said.
“The tectonic setting of the region typically produces a series of quakes of this magnitude over a span of three to five days. I don’t believe there is cause for significant concern at this time, though we are closely monitoring the situation. Instructions have already been issued to residents and local authorities. I expect the magnitudes to remain at this level,” he added.
Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe as it sits at the complex boundary between two major tectonic plates: The African Plate (moving north) and the The Eurasian Plate (stationary or slightly moving south). As the African Plate slowly subducts (slides under) the Eurasian Plate, it creates immense geological pressure. This pressure builds up and eventually gets released as earthquakes.
Last week, a strong 6.1 Richter earthquake struck about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) off the eastern coast of Crete and south-southwest of Kasos at a focal depth of 64.4 kilometers (40 miles), as reported by the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens.
The quake resulted in notable disturbance and was particularly felt on Crete and Rhodes, prompting a precautionary tsunami warning from emergency services.
In early 2025, a series of moderate earthquakes hit Santorini in the central Aegean, causing fears of a larger quake.
The undersea tremors—sometimes only minutes apart—caused thousands of local residents to flee Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, and the nearby islands of Amorgos, Ios, and Anafi.
Between January 26th and February 13th, more than 18,400 quakes, mainly of a low magnitude, were recorded off islands in the Cyclades archipelago, according to the University of Athens seismology laboratory.
