Rhodes was rattled by a strong earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale early Tuesday morning at 02:17, startling residents out of their sleep and prompting many to rush outside. Despite the intensity of the tremor, only minor property damage has been reported, with no injuries.
The seismic event was felt not only across the island but also in parts of southwestern Turkey, creating brief moments of panic among residents.
Epicenter and Earthquake Characteristics
According to the revised report from the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, the epicenter was located 21 kilometers north of Rhodes, at a depth of 64.9 kilometers. The deep focus contributed to a strong shaking that was widely felt, though it helped reduce surface impact.
Limited Damage – Fire Brigade Conducts Inspections
Throughout the night, the Rhodes Fire Service carried out precautionary inspections across the city. Some traditional decorative plates, often mounted on interior walls of Rhodian homes, fell and broke due to the strong tremor.
Witnesses described the quake as unusually long in duration and intense in sensation. Nevertheless, local residents reportedly remained calm and composed.
Earthquake Felt in Turkey
The tremor was also strongly felt across the sea in southwestern Turkey, especially in the Muğla and Marmaris regions, where many locals took to the streets in alarm.
Seismologist Lekkas: “Most likely the main earthquake”
Seismologist and head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Professor Efthymios Lekkas, reassured the public during a statement on state broadcaster ERT.
“This was a deep-focus earthquake, around 60 kilometers, which means it was widely felt across the Dodecanese and southwestern Turkey, but with limited surface impact,” he explained.
“There will be no tsunami, no significant aftershock sequence. It is very likely this was the main event.”
Regional Governor: “Minimal damage – Main concern is tourists’ anxiety”
South Aegean Regional Governor George Chatzimarkos confirmed that civil protection teams were on the ground assessing minor structural damage.
“There is no serious destruction, just small-scale damage. What we are managing now is the fear among visitors, many of whom are unfamiliar with earthquakes,” he said.
“We are assuring tourists that they are not in danger and that Greece has some of the strictest anti-seismic building standards in Europe.”
