A series of small earthquakes has disturbed residents in Cyprus. Two separate tremors happened within hours of each other near the island's southern coast. The most recent one was a minor shock with a strength of 2.9. It occurred in the early morning, after a stronger quake the evening before. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), both started in the sea between the cities of Paphos and Limassol. Fortunately, there are no reports of injuries or damage.
The first and stronger earthquake happened just after 7:00 PM local time. People across a large part of the island felt its vibrations. Seismic institutions measured its strength between 3.8 and 4.1. Importantly, it was very shallow, with one report estimating a depth of only five kilometers. Because it was so close to the surface, the shaking felt stronger. Many people in different areas, including the inland capital Nicosia, confirmed they felt it. The later, weaker tremor was an aftershock detected around 4:20 AM.
Scientists explain that this kind of activity is normal for the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus is located in a complex tectonic area. Here, the African and Eurasian plates meet, creating a network of fault lines. These faults regularly release built-up stress through earthquakes, which can range from tiny tremors to powerful, destructive events. The region has a long history of significant quakes, which is why constant monitoring by agencies like the EMSC is so important for public safety.
The public reaction showed how well modern detection systems work. Many residents quickly reported feeling the tremors to seismic centers. This helps experts understand the intensity and range of the event. Although the earthquakes caused worry and disturbed many people's sleep, the lack of damage shows they were ultimately harmless. Authorities will provide more detailed information once their analysis is complete.
This event is a useful reminder of the active ground beneath the island. Experts stress that the correct response to such frequent, low-level activity is preparedness, not panic. Strong building codes and public awareness campaigns are essential. They help ensure that when a stronger earthquake inevitably happens, the effect on people and buildings will be reduced. For now, the shaking has stopped, but it has left a renewed awareness of the powerful natural forces in the region.