UTC time | 2018-10-25 22:54:51 |
---|---|
ISC event | 613514189 |
USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
Local date | October 26, 2018 |
Local time | 01:54:51 EEST |
Magnitude | 6.8 Mw |
Depth | 14 km (8.7 mi) |
Epicenter | 37°30′22″N 20°33′47″E / 37.506°N 20.563°E |
Max. intensity | VII (Very strong) |
Tsunami | ~20 cm |
Aftershocks | 172 M 4.0+ (As of November 15, 2018)[1] |
Casualties | 3 injured |
A strong earthquake measuring magnitude Mw 6.8 occurred in the Ionian Sea near the coasts of Greece during the night between 25 and 26 October 2018 at 22:54:51 UTC (01:54:51 in Greece).[2] Sea level changes were predicted,[3] and a tsunami advisory was issued.[4] Reports of sea level change of up to 20 centimeters were reported in Greece and Italy.[5]
The epicenter was located about 133 km from Patras. The earthquake occurred 14 km below the surface.[5] Power outages were reported on the island of Zakynthos, and a 15th century monastery was also damaged on the islands of Strofades.[6][5] The port of Zakynthos also sustained major damage, and a state of emergency was declared in the municipality.[7] Services around Zakynthos were affected, and schools were closed on October 26.[8] Tax relief was also extended into January in order to support the local tourism industry.[9]
Other structures were damaged, but despite the magnitude of the event, there were no reported serious injuries or casualties.[10] About 120 homes were left uninhabitable, and the town laterally shifted 5 centimeters as a result of the earthquake.[11] A strict building code was cited as a possible reason for the limited amount of damage, as Zakynthos suffered major damage from a 1953 earthquake.[8][5]
The event was felt in eight countries, including in the Balkans, Italy, Malta as well as coasts of Africa and Turkey.[12][13]
The main shock was followed by multiple aftershocks in the following days, including undersea aftershocks of magnitude 4.4 and 5 over a week after the initial earthquake.[14] The largest reported aftershock was of magnitude 5.6 the day of the initial earthquake.[15]