Mediterranean Sea: Magnitude-6.6 earthquake strikes west of Cyprus at around 03:07 EET Jan. 11 /update 1

Event

A magnitude-6.6 earthquake occurred west of Cyprus at around 03:07 EET Jan. 11. The epicenter was about 49 km (30 miles) west-northwest of Polis, Cyprus. The temblor has not triggered a tsunami warning.

Strong to moderate shaking was probably felt throughout Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, while light shaking was probably felt throughout Antalya, Karaman, southern Konya, and most of Mersin provinces in Turkey. Initial reports indicated light shaking across most of southern Turkey, western parts of Lebanon, far western Syria, and northern Israel, but significant damage is unlikely. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, significant damage is possible in western Cyprus. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light to moderate aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

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

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.