Earthquakes in the Tü: Causes, risks and protective measures

Earthquakes occur repeatedly in the Mediterranean region. Most recently, for example, southeast of the Greek holiday island of Crete, where authorities recorded a 5.3 magnitude quake. A few days ago, tremors also occurred between Turkey and the island of Rhodes. The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.8. A teenager was killed, and 70 people in Turkey were injured after jumping from windows and balconies in a panic.

Earthquakes in the Mediterranean region are usually caused by plate tectonic processes. Several tectonic plates collide there: The African Plate pushes against the Eurasian Plate and the microplates in between, such as the Aegean and Adriatic Plates, from the south, while the Anatolian Plate pushes in from the east.

This crowding regularly causes earthquakes. "There's constant movement," says Christoph Helo from the Institute of Geosciences at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. "The plates collide. Therefore, this is always a tectonically and seismically active area." Regular earthquakes in the region are completely normal.

Earthquakes can also be triggered by volcanic activity. "When magma rises, it creates pressure and tension in the crust, leading to swarms of small earthquakes known as volcanic tremors," explains the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences . Furthermore, the movement of magma underground can put pressure on existing faults, i.e., fractures in the rock, and thus trigger tectonic earthquakes. Strong seismic signals can also be measured during larger volcanic eruptions.

There are several active volcanoes in the Mediterranean region. Mount Etna in Sicily, for example, recently erupted again. Italy also has a supervolcano, the Phlegraean Fields, whose eruptions could have global repercussions, experts suspect. The underwater volcano Columbus is also located off the Greek island of Santorini.

The Global Earthquake Model Foundation has created a risk map showing the geographical distribution of average annual earthquake losses. According to the map, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Algeria are particularly affected in the Mediterranean region. The earthquake risk is therefore greater in the eastern Mediterranean than in the western Mediterranean – due to the fragmented and complex plate tectonics in this region.

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"The highest earthquake risk, and thus the most severe consequences of earthquakes, are expected in urban areas located in regions with a comparatively high earthquake hazard," explain the European Facilities for Earthquake Hazard and Risk (EFEHR). They cite the Turkish city of Istanbul as an example: A significant proportion of buildings there were designed and constructed without adequate earthquake protection. The risk of collapse in the event of an earthquake is correspondingly high.

Earthquakes in the Mediterranean region can reach magnitudes of 7.5 to 8. This makes them large earthquakes that can cause destruction over large areas.

The strongest known earthquake in the Mediterranean was the Crete earthquake of 365 AD. In a 2021 study, an international team of researchers concluded that the quake must have had a magnitude below 8. Previous estimates had been between 8.3 and 8.5. The earthquake triggered a tsunami that caused many deaths.

The tsunami threat in the Mediterranean region still exists. However, statistically, it is lower than in other parts of the world.

It was one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent years: A severe earthquake triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004. Even today, the gigantic tidal waves pose a threat – even in Europe. What you should know about tsunamis.

A Greek study from 2023 estimated the return period of destructive tsunamis for the entire Mediterranean at 22 years. Divided into eastern and western Mediterranean, the return period was 31 years for the eastern Mediterranean and 118 years for the western Mediterranean. According to UNESCO , there is a 100 percent probability that a tsunami with a height of at least one meter will occur in the Mediterranean region in the next 30 to 50 years.

The densely populated coastal towns of the Mediterranean are particularly at risk. Added to this is the impact of climate change, which, for example, is causing sea levels to rise. This makes coastal regions already more vulnerable to flooding and can increase damage from tsunamis.

Anyone inside a building during an earthquake should not attempt to leave. Falling objects or broken glass could cause injuries. Elevators should also be avoided. Instead, seek shelter—preferably under a sturdy table or bed—and remain there until the quake passes.

If you're outdoors during the earthquake, the safest place is a clear, open space—away from buildings, trees, or streetlights. The same applies to drivers in their cars. It's best to stay in your car while the tremors continue.

Anyone currently at the beach should seek shelter on higher ground. Earthquakes can trigger large ocean waves or a tsunami. You can find more tips here .