Posted on July 23, 2025

On July 23, 2025, seismic activity rattled two distinct regions in Europe, with a magnitude 5.8 earthquake striking the Crete region in Greece and a magnitude 3.9 earthquake felt in Switzerland’s Ossola Valley. While both events caused noticeable shaking, preliminary reports indicate no casualties or significant structural damage in either location. Local authorities in both regions are urging caution as they monitor for potential aftershocks.

Crete Earthquake: Magnitude 5.8 Shakes Greek Island

At 13:29 UTC (15:29 Italian time), a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Crete, Greece, as reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The epicenter was located approximately 65 km west of Chaniá and 28 km northwest of Kíssamos, with a shallow depth of 10 km, amplifying its impact across the island. Posts on X from @LastQuake and @AlArabiya_Eng confirmed the quake’s intensity, with residents in Chaniá, Rethymno, and other parts of Crete reporting distinct shaking.

The tremor was felt across several Aegean islands and even reached parts of mainland Greece, but no tsunami warning was issued, unlike a previous 6.0-magnitude quake near Crete in May 2025 that prompted a temporary alert. The Athens Geodynamic Institute noted that Crete’s location along the Hellenic Arc, where the African plate subducts beneath the Aegean Sea plate, makes it one of Europe’s most seismically active regions.

Local authorities, including regional official Giorgos Tsapakos, reported no serious damage or injuries following initial assessments. Schools and tourist sites, including popular destinations like Heraklion and Chania, remained operational, with no immediate closures reported. Seismologist Dr. Nikolaos Melis from the National Observatory of Athens emphasized that while Crete experiences frequent quakes, the lack of significant surface impact suggests this event was within the region’s typical seismic activity.

Residents and tourists are advised to stay vigilant, as Crete has seen increased seismic activity in 2025, with 54 quakes of magnitude 2.0 or higher in the past week alone, including a magnitude 3.9 quake near Moires on July 11. Emergency guidance recommends familiarizing oneself with safety protocols, such as “drop, cover, and hold on,” to prepare for potential aftershocks.

Switzerland Earthquake: Magnitude 3.9 Felt in Ossola Valley

On the same day, a magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck Switzerland, with its effects felt in the Ossola Valley, a region near the Italian border. The quake, reported by EMSC, occurred at a shallow depth, causing light shaking in Ossola and surrounding areas. While no specific time or epicenter details were provided in initial reports, the tremor was perceptible but caused no reported damage or injuries.

Switzerland, though less seismically active than Greece, lies in a region influenced by the Alpine fault systems. The Ossola Valley, located in northern Italy’s Piedmont region near the Swiss border, occasionally experiences minor quakes due to its proximity to these tectonic structures. Local authorities in both Switzerland and Italy are monitoring the situation, with no disruptions to infrastructure or public services reported.

The Swiss Seismological Service has not yet released detailed data on this event, but the quake’s magnitude suggests it was a minor event, typical of the region’s occasional seismic activity. Residents in Ossola, particularly in towns like Domodossola, reported feeling the tremor but noted no significant impact.

Seismic Context and Regional Preparedness

Both earthquakes highlight Europe’s diverse seismic landscape. Greece, situated at the complex boundary of the African, Eurasian, and Aegean Sea plates, experiences approximately 2,300 quakes annually in Crete alone, with magnitudes ranging from minor tremors to rare megathrust events. The region’s preparedness, including earthquake-resistant building codes and public awareness campaigns, has minimized damage from events like today’s 5.8-magnitude quake.

In contrast, Switzerland and northern Italy experience fewer and generally weaker quakes, with the Alps contributing to occasional seismic activity. The 3.9-magnitude quake in Ossola aligns with historical patterns, where quakes of this size are felt but rarely cause harm.

Safety Recommendations and Outlook

Authorities in Crete and Switzerland have issued calls for prudence:

• Crete: Tourists and residents are urged to follow safety guidelines, avoid damaged structures, and stay updated via the National Observatory of Athens or EMSC.
• Ossola Valley: Italian and Swiss officials recommend securing heavy objects and preparing emergency kits, though the risk of aftershocks remains low.

While both quakes caused no immediate harm, they serve as a reminder of Europe’s active tectonic environment. Experts like Rémy Bossu from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre note that such events are not unusual and do not indicate an elevated risk of a major earthquake in the near future.

Conclusion

The magnitude 5.8 earthquake in Crete and the magnitude 3.9 earthquake in Switzerland’s Ossola Valley on July 23, 2025, underscore the unpredictable nature of seismic activity. While both events caused no significant damage or casualties, they highlight the importance of preparedness in seismically active regions. Residents and visitors in Crete and Ossola are encouraged to stay informed and follow local guidance to ensure safety.

Call to Action: Have you felt the quake in Crete or Ossola? Share your experience in the comments below and stay tuned for updates on these seismic events. For real-time earthquake information, visit trusted sources like EMSC or the National Observatory of Athens.

Disclaimer: All data is based on preliminary reports from EMSC, X posts, and other sources. Final figures may vary as seismic agencies process additional data. Always rely on official channels for safety updates.