Greece, Turkey: A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs in the Aegean Sea at around 04:22 EET Jan. 19

Event

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in the Aegean Sea at around 04:22 EET Jan. 19. The epicenter was about 32 km (20 miles) west-northwest of Mithymna, Greece. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was likely felt throughout North Aegean, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, eastern Central Greece, southeastern Central Macedonia, and eastern Attica regions in Greece as well as Izmir, Manisa, Balikesir, Canakkale, Edirne, and Tekirdag provinces in Turkey. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.