Cyprus experiences extraordinary seismic activity – experts warn and classify
Cyprus experiences extraordinary seismic activity – experts warn and classify
Cyprus has been shaken by a series of earthquakes within a short period of time. In the afternoon, three individual seismic events occurred, the strongest of which reached a magnitude of 3.2 and was confirmed in the Paphos region.
Shortly afterwards, a much more violent seismic phase followed, which alarmed the geological research authority. At 11:31 a.m., a magnitude 5.3 quake shook the Paphos district, followed by an unusually intense sequence of aftershocks. Just five minutes after the main shock, the measuring stations registered an earthquake of magnitude 3.9, ten minutes later one of magnitude 4.3. By the afternoon, around 20 tremors had been documented – the next morning the number was already 50.Authorities
speak of "unusual and complex activity"
The director of the Geological Survey, Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, described the situation as extraordinary. The analysis is made even more difficult because a second, weaker earthquake was detected within the main quake – a rare pattern that usually indicates highly active fault zones.
A final picture can only be given after the complete evaluation of the two strongest earthquakes. Nevertheless, the data so far indicate that the current activity could slowly weaken – even if no reliable predictions are possible for natural processes.
Particularly unusual is the accumulation of two earthquakes in the same region in a short time, a phenomenon that is more familiar from seismically active regions such as Turkey.
Cyprus has always been located in a highly active earthquake zone
The events are a reminder that Cyprus is geologically one of the most active regions in Europe. Historical records and archaeological findings repeatedly document severe earthquakes that damaged or destroyed cities, villages and infrastructures over the centuries.
Between 26 BC and 1900 AD, at least 20 major earthquakes were recorded. Statistics show the following probabilities of strong tremors:
- Every 153 years: Earthquakes > 7.0
- Every 52 years: Earthquakes > 6.5
- Every 17 years: Earthquakes > 6.0
- Every 6 years: Earthquakes > 5.5
- Every 2 years: Earthquakes > 5.0
Every year, the seismological center records around 2,000 Earthquakes, of which about 1,300 in the immediate vicinity of Cyprus. Only about 0.5% of this is noticeable to humans.
The worst earthquake in recent history hit Cyprus in 1953, claiming 40 lives, injuring over 100 and leaving 4,000 people homeless.
The "Cyprus Arc": One of the most important plate boundaries of the Cyprus region
is located on the so-called Alpine-Himalayan Earthquake Belt, a zone in which around 15% of all earthquakes worldwide occur.
The seismic activity is caused by the Cyprus Arc – the tectonic boundary between the African and Eurasian lithospheric plates.
The seismic activity is caused by the Cyprus Arc – the tectonic boundary between the African and Eurasian lithospheric plates.
- The African plate is moving northwards.
- It slides under the Anatolian microplate (part of the Eurasian plate).
- This subduction generates high stresses and regularly leads to earthquakes.
The Cyprus Arc is divided into three areas:
- Western section (Akamas): Deeper, energetically strong earthquakes up to 130 km depth
- Central section (south of Cyprus): Shallow, very active earthquakes
- Eastern section (Latakia Fault): Lower activity, probably due to inactive subduction
The strongest activity is measured in the central-western area of the Cyprus Arc as well as on land faults in Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca.
Building safety remains crucial – especially for older buildings
In view of the historical data, it is clear that the most important protective factor against high numbers of victims is earthquake-proof construction.
- Since 1994, Cyprus has had stricter earthquake regulations.
- Since 2012, buildings have been constructed according to the European Eurocodes.
Newer buildings are therefore much more resistant – provided that material quality, supervision and structural planning have been observed.
However, the tens of thousands of older buildings that were built before 1996 remain problematic. Many of them have already been structurally weakened by previous severe earthquakes, even if the external damage was minor.
Therefore, a comprehensive inspection of the building fabric is recommended, especially for:
- Schools
- Churches
- Stadiums
- Shopping malls
- Hotels
- Event venues
- High-traffic office and residential buildings
A combination of government programs and subsidies is increasingly seen as necessary to support vulnerable groups.
Active faults that continue to pose risk
Cyprus has several active fault lines that regularly trigger earthquakes:
- Gerasa Fault: Trigger of the 5.6 earthquake of 1999
- Ovgos Fault (Nicosia): Earthquake up to magnitude 4.5
- Kythrea Fault
- Two active faults in Paphos
The only true, continuous active fault Fault is the Gerasa Fault, 25 km long and divided into two sections. The once largest fault, the Arakapas Fault, is now inactive.
Key historical events of the last 120 years
- 1906 | M5.3 – Destruction in Limassol-Kolossi
- 1953 | M6.0 (twin quakes) – 40 dead, 100 injured, 4,000 homeless
- in 1995 | M6.1 – severe damage in Paphos, two deaths
- in 1996 | M6.5 – numerous injuries, structural damage
- in 1999 | M5.6 (Jerash) – felt all over the island
- 2015 | M5.6 – epicenter west of Kissonerga
Conclusion:
The latest seismic series shows once again that Cyprus is a highly active earthquake zone. The island is better protected today than it used to be by modern building regulations – but caution, structural review and understanding of the risks remain crucial in order to cushion future serious events in the best possible way.
Author: Tom Weyermann / MF-Redaktion
Sources: Archive, CY-Government
