A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the western region of Cyprus near Paphos this morning, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
Details of the earthquake in Cyprus
Magnitude: 5.4 Richter
Time: 11:31 a.m. local time
Epicenter: Located 14 kilometers (approximately 9 miles) east of the city of Paphos.
Focal depth: The earthquake was relatively shallow, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), which allowed its tremors to be felt across the entire island of Cyprus.
Crucially, there are currently no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Authorities are monitoring the situation and assessing any potential impact.
Is Cyprus prone to earthquakes?
Cyprus is considered seismically active and is prone to earthquakes. The island lies near the complex boundary between the African tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate. Specifically, it is situated along the Cyprus Arc, a geological subduction zone where the African plate is slowly diving beneath the Eurasian plate.
This geological setting makes the region susceptible to frequent tremors, although major, destructive earthquakes are less common than in other nearby areas (such as Greece or Turkey). Cypriot building codes are designed to account for this seismic risk.
