M5.0 Earthquake 24 km S of Sitia, Greece — April 24, 2026
2026-04-24 08:58:17 UTC (2 hours ago)
Felt by 1 person across nearby locations. Aftershock of the M5.8 mainshock.
On April 24, 2026 at 08:58 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 24 km S of Sitia, Greece, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 34.9902°, 26.1319°. This earthquake was detected by 61 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.8 mainshock that occurred 8 hours ago 11 km SE of Ierápetra, Greece. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 4 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
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
Earthquake Details
26.1319°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Sitia, Greece?
The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck 24 km S of Sitia, Greece on April 24, 2026 at 08:58 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 34.9902°, 26.1319°, which is 24 km S of Sitia, Greece. View all earthquakes in Greece.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.0 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.8 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.0 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.8 mainshock that occurred earlier 11 km SE of Ierápetra, Greece. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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 5.0 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.