A powerful earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook the island of Evia at 12:27 a.m. yesterday, local time, sending tremors across Attica and particularly the northern suburbs of Athens.
According to the Geodynamic Institute, the epicenter was located about four kilometers northwest of Nea Styra, with a shallow focal depth of just 2.3 kilometers — a factor that explains why the tremor was so widely felt. A smaller aftershock of magnitude 2.5 followed shortly after.
Residents across Attica, especially in the northern districts, reported strong shaking, though no damage or injuries have been reported so far.
What Experts Say
Seismologist Efthymis Lekkas explained that the area is not known for producing major earthquakes but emphasized that scientists are closely monitoring all available data. “At this stage, we are evaluating the evidence to have clearer conclusions,” he noted, adding that aftershocks above magnitude 4 could still occur.
Gerasimos Papadopoulos, speaking on Mega TV’s Megali Eikona program, described the quake as “a fairly strong earthquake north of Nea Styra and east of Grammatikó.” He stressed that it was natural for such a tremor to be felt across Evia and Attica, especially since smaller quakes had been recorded in recent days.
“Some weaker aftershocks are certain to follow, and we remain cautious,” Papadopoulos said. While the region has no strong history of major seismic events — a fact he described as encouraging — he cautioned that further monitoring is needed. He advised residents near the epicenter to inspect their homes for any structural damage and report it to authorities if necessary.
Asked whether he would remain indoors after such a tremor, Papadopoulos responded: “It’s difficult to advise people directly, but what I would say to my own family is to remain calm and stay inside, provided the house is built to earthquake safety standards.”
Authorities on Alert
Evia’s Deputy Regional Governor Giorgos Kelaïditis confirmed that he had been in contact with local leaders in Nea Styra and stressed that, up to now, there have been no reports of damage. The quake was also strongly felt in Chalkida, Evia’s capital.
Local authorities remain on high alert, although so far the earthquake appears not to have caused material destruction or casualties.
