Strong Earthquake Rattles Greek Island

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

ATHENS — 

A strong magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck off the Greek island of Crete Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

No injuries or damage have been reported on the island, which is a popular tourist destination. The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the undersea quake struck at 12:30 p.m. local time, some 280 miles southeast of Athens.

Greece's civil protection agency said authorities on Crete did not report any injuries or damage from the quake.

Click here for more from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Agency official Athanassios Oprianos said the quake's epicenter was quite deep — about 18 miles undersea. He said that, combined with the fact that it occurred 100 miles south of Crete, meant a large part of its force was absorbed before it reached the island.

Greece is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, but the vast majority of quakes cause no damage or injuries.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.