Southern Greece Earthquake Causes Emergency Evacuation of Hundreds of Tourists

Two consecutive earthquakes struck southern Greece on the 20th, prompting local authorities to take preventive measures and urgently evacuate hundreds of tourists. There are no reports of injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage at this time.

According to the Athens Institute of Geodynamics, the first earthquake occurred at 12:31 local time, with a magnitude of 4.6. The epicenter was located about 6 kilometers east of Gavdos Island, the southernmost point of Greece, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Six minutes later, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 occurred in the same area, with tremors felt on Gavdos Island and the southern region of Crete.

Greek authorities stated that as a precaution, all 566 tourists at the Samaria Gorge scenic area on Crete were urgently evacuated, and everyone was safely transferred to the exit area. Due to the stronger second earthquake, residents on Gavdos Island and in southern Crete temporarily left their homes to seek shelter outdoors.