According to the Geodynamics Institute, the epicenter was at a depth of 12.4 kilometers, and the tremors were particularly felt in the surrounding areas.
Halkidiki was shaken by two significant earthquakes, measuring 4.6 and 4.1 on the Richter scale, within 57 minutes of each other, with their epicenters near Mount Athos. According to the Athens Geodynamic Institute, the first earthquake struck at 11:47 a.m. with a depth of 11.9 km. Three smaller tremors followed (2.6, 3.2, and 2.6), leading to another strong quake of 4.6 at 12:50 p.m. Several aftershocks have since been recorded, the largest reaching 3.8 at 12:57 p.m.
Residents in the area closest to Mount Athos reported feeling the tremors more intensely. There are no immediate reports of damage, but the ongoing aftershocks have left many anxious.
Series of Earthquakes Strike Halkidiki, Five Quakes in Ten Minutes
Earlier in the day, a series of five earthquakes struck the Halkidiki region at around 10:40 a.m. The strongest of these tremors registered at 4.2 on the Richter scale, following a smaller 2.4 magnitude quake. Within 10 minutes, multiple aftershocks were recorded, with the strongest measuring 2.8. The epicenter of the most powerful earthquake was located 19 kilometers southeast of Nea Roda.
🔔#Earthquake (#σεισμός) M4.2 occurred 26 km SE of #Ierissós (#Greece) 4 min ago (local time 11:47:25). More info at:
— EMSC (@LastQuake) September 22, 2024
📱https://t.co/QMSpuj6Z2H
🌐https://t.co/S5b1iaQYff
🖥https://t.co/QjFxDhWEHH pic.twitter.com/cAdyuo8vF1
Locals reported feeling the tremors, with comments such as “It shook the beach hard,” and “We felt it strongly on Mount Athos,” shared on the EMSC platform. So far, no material damage has been reported from the quakes. Local authorities advise tourists and residents of Sithonia and all of Halkidiki to stay informed through official updates, reassuring them that there is no cause for concern.
