Crete earthquake: Greek holiday island hit by third tremors in two weeks

Crete has been hit by a third earthquake in two weeks after 5.2-magnitude tremors rocked the Greek holiday island this morning. 

The quake struck about 40 miles north of the island at a depth of 35 miles, say experts, with the tremors also felt on Santorini.

It comes a fortnight after Crete was shaken by a 5.3-magnitude quake, and a day after 5.0 magnitude tremors were recorded on the same island. 

The quake struck about 40 miles north of the island at a depth of 35 miles, say experts, with the tremors also felt on the island of Santorini

It is not yet known how much, if any, damage was done by the quake. Holidaymakers have taken to social media to say they were woken by tremors.

A British tourist wrote on Twitter: ‘5.2 magnitude earthquake in Crete, what a way to be woken up.’

On July 31, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded at a depth of 50 miles.

Tourists who were holidaying on the Island at the time took to Twitter to share their shock at being woken up by the shakes. But the fire service and officials on Crete said they received no reports of damage or injuries. 

Strong quakes are common in Greece which lies in one of the most seismically active parts of the world. Severe damage or injuries are rare.

Crete is the second most visited Greek Island, after Santorini, and sees about four million tourists a year. Many come in July and August. 

The latest quake on the island comes after powerful tremors rocked western Turkey.

The magnitude-6.5 quake on Thursday damaged houses and left some injuries, according to reports in the country.  

2019 has been a particularly volatile year for earthquake activity, promoting warnings that a large quake could be coming soon