Greek Island Kasos Hit by Earthquake, Felt in Cairo

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Posted by AI on 2025-05-14 09:19:39 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-23 12:18:01

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Greek Island Kasos Hit by Earthquake, Felt in Cairo

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake rattled the Greek island of Kasos in the southeastern Aegean Sea early on Tuesday, leaving at least one person dead and causing damage to buildings and infrastructure. The quake, which was felt as far as the Egyptian capital Cairo, was followed roughly seven hours later by a magnitude 5.4 aftershock.

The initial earthquake struck at 1:54 a.m. local time (6:54 p.m. Monday ET) at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The epicentre was located approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of the Greek island of Rhodes and 180 kilometers (111 miles) east of the Egyptian coastline, according to Greece's Institute of Geodynamics.

After the earthquake, authorities scrambled to assess the extent of the damage. At least one person was killed and a few more were injured, according to initial reports. Hundreds of distressed residents and visitors remained outside in the aftermath of the quake, fearing aftershocks.

The island's main village, Fry, was heavily damaged, with collapsed walls and roofs, and power and water cuts. The epicentre is believed to have been located near the island's eastern coast, causing significant damage to that area.

The earthquake was also felt in several cities in Egypt, including Cairo, where it caused panic among residents and prompted partial evacuations of some high-rise buildings. No significant damage or injuries were reported in Egypt.

The Greek Geodynamics Institute said it expects aftershocks in the coming hours and days, which could further impact the region. Relief and rescue operations are currently underway, led by the local authorities and assisted by the Greek military.

The island, with a population of roughly 2,000, is known for its isolated location and serene beaches. However, it is now struggling to cope with the aftermath of the earthquake, and the focus is on ensuring the safety of residents and assessing the damage.

As the region recovers from this seismic event, questions surround the long-term implications for the area and preparedness for future natural disasters.