GLOBE

Cyprus Rattled by Earthquake Felt Islandwide

Strong tremor felt islandwide at 11:31 local time, followed by multiple aftershocks and reports of communications disruptions

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POLITIS NEWS

A strong earthquake was felt across Cyprus on Wednesday, with early estimates placing the magnitude at 5.3 on the Richter scale. The tremor struck at 11:31 local time, with an epicentre near Agia Marina Kelokedaron, roughly 20 kilometres north-east of Paphos, at a focal depth of about 15 kilometres. International monitoring services reported a magnitude around 5.2–5.3 and widespread felt reports across the island.

 

According to the Geological Survey Department, a sequence of aftershocks is under way. At least three were recorded soon after the main event, with preliminary magnitudes of 3.5, 3.6 and 4.7. The main shock and aftershocks were felt strongly in Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia, and were also noticeable along parts of the eastern Mediterranean coast. Early local reports indicated intermittent issues with telecommunications and internet connectivity in some areas as networks experienced brief congestion.

Telecommunications networks

Temporary disruptions were reported in telecommunications networks, according to an announcement from Cyta. The surge in phone use by citizens trying to contact relatives and friends led to brief congestion across the network.

Speaking to politis.com.cy, Cyta spokesperson Lefteris Christou said the phenomenon is expected in such situations and is observed worldwide, as many users attempt to make calls simultaneously, exceeding the network’s capacity.

Advice to the public

Authorities advise residents to check for hazards at home, avoid using lifts until inspections are complete, and follow updates from the Geological Survey Department and Civil Defence. 

Reports from residents

Residents across Paphos, Limassol and Nicosia reported strong shaking, with some items falling from shelves but no immediate official reports of serious damage at the time of writing. Localised slowdowns and brief disruptions were noted on phone and data networks as traffic spiked immediately after the quake.

Events of this size are not uncommon for Cyprus given its position along active faults in the eastern Mediterranean. Similar magnitude 5-class earthquakes have been recorded near the island in recent years, and international networks routinely track such activity around Paphos. 

Message from Erhürman

In a message shared in Turkish, Greek and English, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman expressed solidarity with all residents of Cyprus following the earthquake.

Mr Erhürman wrote that he hoped no one had suffered damage or injuries and stressed the need for everyone “north and south, without distinction” to be prepared for natural disasters.

His post drew positive reactions on social media, with users from both communities welcoming the message of unity and solidarity.

 

 

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