Rhodes Shaken by 4.8-Magnitude Earthquake – Tourists Freak Out
British holidaymakers on the Greek island of Rhodes were left rattled as a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck late Wednesday. Reports flooded in describing “the whole airport shaking” and hotel balconies wobbling as the tremor rocked the popular tourist hotspot.
Epicentre in Aegean Sea, No Major Damage
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the quake’s epicentre was in the Aegean Sea, about 67km (41 miles) southwest of Rhodes. Despite the shaking, there were no reports of serious structural damage.
One shaken tourist wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“Yeah, like the whole airport shook so quick outta nowhere, the walls and floor shaking. It felt weird and crazy.”
Others reported feeling the tremor in their hotel rooms and on balconies, with one joking from Faliraki:
“Table was shaking on our hotel balcony. Thought I’d had a few too many.”
Quake Felt Across Rhodes and Beyond
The tremor was felt across several parts of Rhodes – including Gennadi, Lardos, Archangelos, the capital Rhodes town, and as far south as Lindos. Greek media also reported the quake was felt in nearby Turkey.
An EMSC spokesperson added:
“Preliminary data suggests the quake caused light vibrations, likely felt by many near the epicentre but without significant damage.”
Earthquake Hotspot: Rhodes’ Shaky Past
Rhodes isn’t new to earthquakes. In January 2023, a stronger 5.9-magnitude quake hit the island, with tremors felt as far away as Egypt and Lebanon.
Historical context reveals Greece’s deadliest quake hit Amorgos in 1956 with a massive 7.7 magnitude. It caused devastating destruction, a tsunami, and claimed 53 lives.
Though this latest quake was mild, it’s a stark reminder of the seismic risks lurking beneath one of Britain’s favourite sun spots. Authorities are keeping a close eye to safeguard both residents and tourists alike.
