Nicosia: Cyprus experienced two significant earthquakes on Wednesday, each measuring around 5 on the Richter scale, causing concern among residents and prompting immediate response measures.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the first earthquake struck in the morning with a magnitude of 5.3 at a depth of 15 kilometers, with its epicenter located in Agia Marina Kelokedaron in the Paphos district. Later in the afternoon, a second earthquake, also measuring around 5 on the Richter scale, hit the region. Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, Director of the Geological Survey Department, indicated that a sequence of aftershocks and earthquakes has been occurring since the morning, necessitating further study.
The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center reported more than 12 aftershocks since the initial quake, with magnitudes ranging from 2.2 to 4.1 on the Richter scale. Despite the seismic activity, Civil Defence confirmed that no damages or injuries were reported. Panayiotis Liasides, Civil Defence Spokesperson, noted that they had immediately coordinated with the Police, Fire Department, and community councils, and confirmed that staff and volunteers are on standby for any necessary assistance.
Liasides emphasized the importance of remaining calm and urged citizens to take self-protection measures during an earthquake, such as staying inside buildings, using stairs instead of elevators, and gathering in open areas away from potential hazards. The earthquakes also briefly affected telecommunications, with CYTA reporting increased traffic on both fixed and mobile networks, leading to temporary congestion.