5.8

M5.8 Earthquake 11 km SE of Ierápetra, GreeceApril 24, 2026

2026-04-24 03:18:53 UTC (4 hours ago)

Felt by 32 people across nearby locations. Maximum shaking intensity MMI 6.2 (very strong).

green Alertno significant casualties or damage expected

On April 24, 2026 at 03:18 UTC, a magnitude 5.8 shallow crustal earthquake struck 11 km SE of Ierápetra, Greece, at a depth of 12.8 km and coordinates 34.9345°, 25.8274°. The earthquake was reported felt by 32 peopleacross nearby locations, with a maximum shaking intensity of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 6.2 (very strong). The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 46 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 536, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Ierapetra (population 12,355).

The epicenter is located in Greece, a region characterized by the Hellenic subduction zone, where the African Plate subducts northward beneath the Aegean at roughly 35 mm per year. The nearest mapped fault system is the Hellenic Trench. View all earthquakes in Greece.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Nearest Populated Places

Ierapetrapop. 12,355
MMI 6.0 (very strong)
Gra Lygiapop. 1,528
MMI 5.8 (strong)
Makrygialospop. 2,550
MMI 5.2 (strong)
Agios Nikolaospop. 27,074
MMI 4.7 (moderate)
Siteiapop. 9,348
MMI 4.7 (moderate)
Kritsapop. 1,296
MMI 4.4 (moderate)
Map showing earthquake epicenter at 34.93°, 25.83°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
5.8 mww
Depth
12.8 km
shallow crustal
Location
34.9345°N
25.8274°E
Felt Reports
32
DYFI responses
Intensity (MMI)
6.2
very strong
Community Intensity
5.7
CDI from reports

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000sshc
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
536
Stations Used
46
Azimuthal Gap
47.0°
Min Station Distance
0.846°
RMS Residual
1.28 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-24 07:23:42 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Ierápetra, Greece?

The magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck 11 km SE of Ierápetra, Greece on April 24, 2026 at 03:18 UTC had a depth of 12.8 km. It was felt by 32 people with maximum shaking intensity of MMI 6.2 (very strong). For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 34.9345°, 25.8274°, which is 11 km SE of Ierápetra, Greece. The nearest populated place is Ierapetra (population 12,355). View all earthquakes in Greece.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.8 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.

Has Greece had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Greece was the M8.5 Crete earthquake of June 29, 1303. Today's magnitude 5.8 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

What should I do after an earthquake?

If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.