An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck off the island of Crete in Greece — and was felt as far-off as Egypt — within the early hours of Wednesday, Could 14. No severe property harm was reported however the quake has prompted Greek authorities to subject a brief tsunami warning.
The quake was at a depth of 35 km (22 miles) close to the island of Karpathos within the Mediterranean Sea, the Athens Geodynamic Institute stated.
Greece’s Ministry for Local weather Disaster and Civil Safety posted on X: “ … Transfer away from the coast instantly. Comply with the directions of Native Authorities.”
Greece is one in every of Europe’s most earthquake-prone nations and an unprecedented stage of seismic exercise shook the favored vacationer island of Santorini for weeks earlier this 12 months.
If in case you have a visit deliberate, right here’s every little thing that you must know.
The place was the earthquake?
The earthquake struck off the island of Crete in Greece on the early hours of Wednesday, Could 14, with tremors additionally felt on the island of Rhodes. Greek authorities subsequently issued a brief tsunami warning.
Residents in Egypt additionally felt the quake, with the nation’s Nationwide Analysis Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics reporting no casualties or property harm. Tremors have been reportedly additionally felt in Cyprus, Israel, and Syria.
The institute stated it recorded a quake of 6.4 magnitude 431 km off Egypt’s northern coasts.
• Uncover our full information to Greece
Is it protected to journey to the Greek islands?
Greece’s Ministry for Local weather Disaster and Civil Safety suggested residents and guests to behave in accordance with data from native authorities and to maneuver away from the coast, though they didn’t specify which a part of the shoreline.
Whereas flights are nonetheless working to Crete as ordinary, travellers ought to preserve up to date on the most recent developments.
What’s the official Overseas Workplace recommendation?
On the time of writing, the UK Overseas Workplace has not up to date its journey recommendation for Greece in gentle of the earthquake.
Can I get a refund if I select to not journey to the affected Greek islands?
Within the absence of Overseas Workplace recommendation in opposition to non-essential journey, you aren’t robotically entitled to a refund beneath the Bundle Journey laws. If in case you have booked with a journey agent or tour operator, you need to name them to debate your choices. If in case you have booked straight, a refund is probably going provided that the flight is cancelled or your lodging is closed.
Am I lined by my journey insurance coverage?
The extra you paid in your insurance coverage, the extra possible it’s that the coverage consists of cowl for cancellation and curtailment attributable to pure disasters. Examine your paperwork for extra particulars.
• Journey insurance coverage information: every little thing that you must know
