On Friday morning, western Greece experienced a powerful earthquake, with no casualties reported.
The Greek Geodynamic Institute in Athens confirmed that the quake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, occurred at 9:12 am local time (0812 GMT).
The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 20 kilometers beneath the seabed off the west coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, near the islet of Stamfani, also known as Strofades.
Prior to this earthquake, a smaller one with a magnitude of 4.1 had struck the region.
Initial reports from Greece’s Civil Defence organization did not mention any casualties or significant damage to buildings.
Despite the strong earthquake, no tsunami warning was issued.
Residents in the nearby Olympia region reported feeling the tremors intensely, resulting in many people taking to the streets.
Media outlets stated that numerous schools were evacuated following the quake, which was felt across western Greece, as well as on the tourist island of Zakynthos and even in Athens, which is approximately 300 kilometers away.
The deepest point in the Mediterranean Sea lies between western Greece and Sicily in Italy, with depths exceeding 5,000 meters.
This region, where the African and European tectonic plates converge, is known for its susceptibility to powerful earthquakes.