Earthquake alarm signals: Crete trembles-what are the consequences for us?

Earthquake alarm signals: Crete trembles-what are the consequences for us?

Kreta, Griechenland - On June 5, 2025, an earthquake of the thickness of 5.3 occurred in the Mediterranean, which was noticeable southeast of Crete. This recent earthquake follows another one that occurred a few days ago with a thickness of 5.8 between Turkey and Rhodes. Tragically, the quake in Turkey led to the death of a teenager and injured 70 other people who were panicked. Such natural events are not uncommon in the Mediterranean, since the region is shaped by plate tectonic processes, as is from MAZ reported.

The African plate shifts against the Eurasian plate and several microplats, which leads to a continuous movement. These continuous shifts often cause earthquakes. In addition to the tectonic processes, volcanic activity can also trigger earthquakes in the region, for example when magma rises. The Etna in Sicily, the Phlegraian fields in Italy and the underwater volcano Kolumbo in front of Santorini are active volcanic regions of the Mediterranean.

earthquake risk and tsunami ride

According to the Global Earthquake Model Foundation, the risk of earthquake in countries such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Israel, Lebanon and Algeria is high. Urban areas such as Istanbul, where many buildings were built without sufficient earthquake protection, are particularly at risk. Historically speaking, earthquakes in the Mediterranean can reach strengths of up to 7.5 to 8. A strong earthquake that occurred in 365 AD led to a tsunami and had a suspected strength of under 8.

The risk of tsunamis in the Mediterranean continues to exist, but the statistical probability is lower than in other parts of the world. UNESCO estimates a 100%probability for a tsunami with at least one meter in the next 30 to 50 years. Activities in the context of climate change also increase the susceptibility of the coastal regions for flooding and damage caused by tsunamis.

research and future scenarios

Current research, such as those of the Geomar Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research and the GFZ Helmholtz Center for Geof research, examine the vulcan and plate tectonic activities of the region intensively. On Santorinin, a ring -shaped archipelago, there have been earthquakes around the volcano Columbo for a long time, whose outbursts have already had serious consequences, such as the mdr reported.

The research group has modeled various scenarios on future earthquake activity, from a decrease in intensity to possible main shock events, followed by tsunamous threats. The development of these scenarios remains uncertain in the events of the plate tectonic and volcanic activities.

Using ocean flooring moms that were installed in depths of up to 3,500 meters, seismic activity is monitored. These measuring devices enable scientists to examine the interior of the earth similar to computer tomography. Together with international colleagues, they examine the geological processes that cause frequent and devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in the Mediterranean area, as well as scinexx

In a time of the growing risk of earthquakes and tsunamis, it is important that the population is aware of the dangers and knows adequate behaviors. In the event of an earthquake, you should stay in buildings, search for protection under stable furniture or, if you are outdoors, visit open space to keep yourself away from potential sources of danger.