**Foreign Office Issues Caution to UK Tourists after Strong Earthquake Strikes Crete**
Holidaymakers heading to Greece are being urged to remain vigilant following a significant earthquake that affected the southern Greek islands earlier this week. The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated guidance after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake was recorded north of the island of Crete in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicentre was located 36 miles north-northeast of Elounda, a popular tourist town on Crete’s northern coastline. The tremor, which originated from a depth of roughly 43 miles beneath the sea, was sufficiently powerful to be noticed on several islands across the Aegean region.
Despite the quake’s force, early assessments brought a degree of reassurance. Giorgos Tsapakos, a regional official, confirmed to Greece’s state television that there had been no reports of injuries or any significant structural damage as a result of the event. “Initial checks across the impacted areas have not revealed any major problems,” Tsapakos stated.
Seismic activity is a regular occurrence in Greece, a nation that sits atop several active geological fault lines. Efthymios Lekkas, from the Earthquake and Planning Protection Organisation, noted that quakes originating at greater depths in the earth’s crust tend to cause less damage at the surface. While Thursday’s incident caused widespread alarm, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural phenomena in the region.
British authorities have responded by reminding travellers of the potential hazards present in Greece during the summer, including not only earthquakes but also wildfires, extreme temperatures, and flash flooding. The FCDO’s travel advisory urges visitors to familiarise themselves with local safety protocols, especially concerning emergency procedures during seismic events.
The Foreign Office specifically referenced increased seismic activity around the Cycladic islands, including Santorini, Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos, earlier this year. However, officials stress that earthquake occurrences have since reduced and that tourist activities are expected to continue as scheduled throughout the upcoming summer season.
Tourists currently in Greece, or planning to travel there soon, are encouraged by the FCDO to keep well-informed. Practical steps include learning the location of their nearest emergency assembly points, following any advice provided by Greek local authorities, and being aware of emergency contact numbers, with 112 being the designated line for rapid assistance.
For those seeking more in-depth advice on earthquake preparedness, the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection offers resources in English. Additionally, the Greek government’s “My Safety Plan” website allows travellers to identify assembly points closest to their accommodation or place of visit in the event of an emergency.
To enhance safety while in Greece, travellers can opt to receive real-time alerts on their mobile devices via the official Emergency Communication Service. These notifications, available in English, are supported on both iPhones and Android handsets by enabling the appropriate emergency alerts within device settings.
While no holiday can be entirely free from risk, the response from both Greek and UK authorities highlights the importance of preparation and awareness when travelling in seismically active regions. As always, tourists are encouraged to check official sources and to remain calm but alert in light of potential natural events.
With the summer travel season beginning and Greece expecting a surge in international visitors, continued monitoring and cooperation between travel operators, local authorities and tourists will be key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.