Powerful 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits South of Kasos and Karpathos

Seismologists are reassuring following a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 that struck the sea area between Kasos and Karpathos early Wednesday morning (May 14, 2025). The quake occurred at 1:50 AM local time with an epicenter located 20 km south of Kasos, at a depth of 64 km. Residents in the southern Aegean islands and eastern Crete were shaken awake as the tremor lasted approximately 15 seconds, felt in three successive waves. Authorities issued a tsunami warning through emergency hotline 112, advising residents to move away from coastal areas. While the earthquake was strongly felt in Attica and along Turkey’s western coast, no reports of injuries or significant damage have been confirmed. Seismologists stress that the quake’s deep focus mitigated its surface impact, reducing potential harm. Professor Euthymios Lekkas, President of the Hellenic Unified Seismological Network, explained to ERT that the depth of 60 km significantly reduced surface effects. He added that such earthquakes rarely produce strong aftershocks and are unrelated to recent seismic activity in the Cyclades or Turkey.