A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the historic religious enclave of Mount Athos in northern Greece on Saturday, according to the Athens Institute of Geodynamics. The tremor, which occurred undersea at a shallow depth of 12.5 kilometres (7.7 miles), was centered northwest of Karyes, the administrative capital of the monastic community located on the Halkidiki peninsula.
The quake was strongly felt across surrounding regions and was followed by several aftershocks. While initial fears were raised due to the quake’s intensity, local authorities quickly assured the public that the situation was under control. “We are well, people should not be worried,” said Mount Athos governor Alkiviadis Stefanis in an interview with Greek state broadcaster ERT.
One visitor to a monastery sustained a minor hand injury after falling while attempting to flee. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No other injuries have been reported so far.
Emergency services, including four fire engines, were dispatched to the area to assess potential damage, a source from the fire department in Athens confirmed. While no large-scale destruction was recorded, Stefanis reported that several monasteries experienced minor damage, including dislodged plaster and broken chimneys.
Tourism officials have also reassured the public. Grigoris Tasios, president of the Halkidiki hoteliers association, stated that the tremor had not affected any tourist infrastructure, and operations remain normal throughout the region.
Seismologist Costas Papazachos noted that the Halkidiki region has experienced consistent seismic activity in recent months, describing it as part of the area’s geological pattern.
Mount Athos, also known as the Holy Mountain, is one of the most significant spiritual centers of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The autonomous monastic community, which has enjoyed special status since Byzantine times, is home to around 20 monasteries, some dating back over a millennium.
Despite the scare, life on Mount Athos appears to be returning to normal, with officials continuing to monitor aftershocks and inspect monastery structures to ensure safety for both residents and pilgrims.
