Earthquake shakes Crete

A moderately strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.2 has struck off the southern Greek island of Crete, seismologists said today.

There were no initial reports of damage or injuries.

The undersea quake occurred at 9.50am (7.50am Irish Time), some 230 miles (368Km) south-southwest of Athens, according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute.

Greece is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, but serious damage or fatalities are rare.