Crete earthquake: Greek holiday island rocked by quake

A strong earthquake has shaken the Greek holiday island of Crete.

The magnitude 5.2 tremor struck at 7.40am local time (4.40am GMT) on Wednesday.

Its epicentre was recorded around 23km west of the resort island’s capital of Heraklion.

The quake was felt across Crete and other south Aegean islands, local media reported.

Stavros Arnaoutakis, the island’s regional governor, said there had been no reports of injuries or damage.

“I have spoken with the mayor of Anogeia, where the epicentre of the earthquake was recorded and he told me there is no damage,” he told radio station Proto Thema.

“The tremor was was felt here in Heraklion. It was short, 5-6 seconds.”

Earlier this month, a magnitude 5.1 tremor was felt in the Greek capital of Athens.

At least two people were injured by falling debris and one building collapsed.

Strong earthquakes are common in Greece, which lies in one of the most seismically active parts of the world.

Severe damage or injuries are rare.