The U.S. Geological Survey said a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the north northern north of Nea Styra, a coastal town on Greece's Evia Island.
Nea Styra is a small coastal town located at the southern end of Greece's second largest island, Evia, and is known for its beaches, fishing ports and ferries to the Attica continental town of Agia Marina.
The wider southern Evia region combines solid mountains with dense pine, olive trees and traditional villages, making it both an attraction for tourists and a region of natural vulnerability.
How far is Nea Styra from Athens?
The earthquake struck about 7 miles of depth and centered around the focus of about 40 miles southeast of Athens, where there was tremor but no immediate damage or injury.
It has faced serious challenges in recent years, most notably the wildfires in 2022 burned large areas of forest, forcing large-scale evacuations and destroying local economies. Today, the area is being rebuilt while retaining the scenery close to Athens, with archaeological sites, seaside taverns and landscape signs shaped by its beauty and exposure to natural disasters.
Are earthquakes common in Greece?
Yes. Greece is one of the most active countries in Europe, located on the complex border between Africa and Eurasian tectonic plates. Although most earthquakes are of moderate strength and cause small losses, tremors are frequent and the country experiences thousands of small earthquakes each year. Areas like Crete, Ionian and the Aegean Sea have particularly high risks, although even Athens has been shocked in recent decades.
A helicopter filled with water while people were sitting on the beach during a wildfire in Pefki Village, Evia Island on Monday, August 9, 2021.
Associated Press
What was the worst earthquake in Greek history?
In August 1953, the deadliest earthquake in modern Greek history hit the Ionian Islands, when a series of powerful earthquakes, including a 7.2-measurement of Kefaronia, Zagensos and Ithaca were destroyed. The entire town was flattened, killing more than 450 people, injured thousands, and almost all buildings on the islands were destroyed or severely damaged. The disaster reshaped the region, prompting mass migration and leading to stricter building regulations across the country.
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