A very strong earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, occurred at 06:19 (Greek time) 56 kilometers north-northeast of Heraklion, Crete, according to data from the Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens, Euronews reports.

The focal depth is estimated to have been 60.3 kilometers.

The earthquake caused disruption to the residents of Crete, and was particularly felt on the Aegean islands and in areas of mainland Greece.

Several aftershocks followed.

The fire services of Crete have been put on general alert.

Small landslides on the provincial road network have been recorded as consequences of the earthquake, as well as small parts falling off a building in Heraklion, Crete.

The president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, Efthimios Lekkas, noted that it was positive that the epicenter of the earthquake was located in the sea, and that there is probably no fear of a tsunami.

Lekkas referred to an earthquake of significant depth that is difficult to transfer to the surface.