A powerful earthquake rattled western Greece early Friday morning, causing widespread alarm but fortunately resulting in no reported casualties. The Greek Geodynamic Institute in Athens confirmed that the earthquake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, struck at 9:12 am local time. The epicenter was located approximately 20 kilometers beneath the seabed off the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula near the islet of Stamfani, also known as Strofades.

Prior to the main quake, a smaller tremor with a magnitude of 4.1 was felt in the region. Despite the intensity of the earthquake, Greece’s Civil Defence organization did not immediately provide information on any injuries or structural damage. Thankfully, no tsunami warning was issued in the aftermath of the seismic activity.

Residents in the nearby Olympia region described feeling the tremors intensely, prompting many to evacuate their homes and seek safety outdoors. Reports from local media indicated that numerous schools were evacuated as the earthquake’s effects were felt across western Greece, reaching as far as the popular tourist destination of Zakynthos and even the capital city of Athens, located 300 kilometers away.

The Mediterranean Sea, particularly the area between western Greece and Sicily in Italy, is known for its extreme depth, with some parts reaching over 5,000 meters below the surface. This region is where the African and European tectonic plates converge, making it a hotspot for seismic activity and prone to significant earthquakes.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the earth’s movements and the importance of preparedness in regions vulnerable to such natural disasters.