Greece earthquake today: A 6.36 magnitude tremor strikes the country; details of the depth
Seismic monitoring stations recorded a powerful earthquake measuring 6.36 on the Richter scale that struck parts of Greece on Friday evening, causing widespread concern and anticipation in the region. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), one of Europe's leading centers for monitoring seismic activity, reported that the earthquake's epicenter was at a very shallow depth of only 10 kilometers below the Earth's surface.
Earthquakes occurring at shallow depths (such as 10 km) are considered more dangerous and impactful than those at greater depths, as seismic energy travels more quickly and powerfully to the surface, making it more noticeable to residents, even at a distance from the epicenter. Despite the strength of the tremor, Greek authorities have not yet issued any official statements regarding casualties or significant damage to infrastructure. However, civil defense and emergency teams remain on high alert in anticipation of any possible aftershocks.
Geological context: Why is Greece prone to earthquakes?
Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe, due to its complex geological location. The country lies at the meeting point of two major tectonic plates: the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The African Plate is slowly moving northward, subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate in a region known as the Hellenic Arc. This subduction creates immense pressure in the Earth's crust, which is periodically released in the form of earthquakes.
This geological reality makes earthquakes a recurring event in Greek history, with the region experiencing numerous tremors of varying strength and impact over the decades. Because of this long history, Greece has developed stringent building codes designed to protect buildings and residents from the risk of collapse during earthquakes, often contributing to a smaller scale of disasters compared to other countries located in similar seismic zones.
Regional impact and the importance of follow-up
The impact of earthquakes in the Mediterranean region is not limited to the country where the epicenter is located. Their effects can extend to neighboring countries and Mediterranean coastlines, especially if the earthquake is strong and occurs on the seabed, potentially raising concerns about tsunamis in rare cases. However, current data on Friday's earthquake indicates that it was a typical tectonic event within the region's normal activity, with no immediate tsunami warnings.
Geology and public safety experts advise citizens in the affected areas to follow official safety instructions, stay away from old or cracked buildings, and be wary of aftershocks, which often follow the main earthquake and are less powerful but may cause additional damage.
