A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Aegean Sea early Tuesday, September 9, 2025, with its epicenter located off the coast of the Greek island of Euboea. The tremor occurred around 00:30 local time, approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Athens and 4 kilometers from the coast of Nea Styra. The earthquake was strongly felt across Athens and the wider Attica region, causing apprehension among residents.
In the immediate aftermath, many residents in Nea Styra, a coastal town near the epicenter, sought refuge outdoors or remained in their vehicles, anticipating potential aftershocks. However, initial reports from the Hellenic Fire Service indicated no major casualties or structural damage. The fire service confirmed receiving no calls related to the event, and no building damage has been verified.
Greece's geographical position, situated on numerous geological faults within the Mediterranean basin, makes it highly susceptible to seismic activity. This recent event serves as a reminder of the region's dynamic geological nature. Historically, Greece experiences frequent earthquakes. Notable past events include a magnitude 6.1 earthquake off Crete in May 2025, which was felt as far as Egypt, and significant seismic activity on Santorini in January and February of the same year that led to temporary evacuations.
The last major deadly earthquake in the region occurred in October 2020 on the island of Samos, a magnitude 7.0 event that resulted in fatalities in both Greece and Turkey. Authorities are currently monitoring the situation and advising the public to remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks. The region's complex tectonic environment, characterized by the interplay of the African and Eurasian plates, contributes to its ongoing seismic activity.