Seismic Activity Detected in Cyprus

A surge in seismic activity has been recorded in the Cyprus region. Over the past week, 30 earthquakes occurred, three of which were felt on the island.

Cypriots were particularly alarmed by tremors at the end of last week, felt in Limassol. These were followed by several aftershocks. According to experts, the recent seismic events are a result of ongoing activity observed in recent years.

On average, around two thousand earthquakes are recorded annually in the region, with a thousand being local. However, only 1% of these tremors are felt.

According to "Reporter," citing seismologist and senior geologist Silvana Pileidou from the Department of Geological Survey, the recent earthquakes' effects were mainly felt by residents on the upper floors of high-rise buildings.

Additionally, it was noted that around a thousand earthquakes have been recorded in the extensive territory of Cyprus over the past 12 months, 15 of which were mildly felt. Their magnitudes ranged from 2.5 to 4.7.

Seismic activity on the island has been observed since 2021. Scientists particularly highlight a strong earthquake on November 1, 2022, in the Akamas marine area, which was followed by significant post-seismic activity in the following months.

There has also been a series of earthquakes with persistent sequences and activation of many land faults, mainly in Paphos, Limassol, and Famagusta, as well as underwater, primarily in the south, west, and northwest of the island.

"This seismic surge in our area has also affected a wider region, as a small tsunami in Turkey was recorded at the beginning of 2023," the scientist noted.