Strong earthquake shakes Eastern Mediterranean: Rhodes epicenter sends tremors across region

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of Greece near the island of Rhodes early Tuesday morning, June 3, 2025, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake was recorded at approximately 5:45 AM local time, with an epicenter located around 26 kilometers (16 miles) south of Rhodes, at a depth of 68 kilometers. The tremors were widely felt across the Eastern Mediterranean, including parts of Türkiye, Egypt, Syria, and Israel, prompting regional monitoring agencies to issue preliminary updates.

As of the latest statements from national emergency authorities, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or significant structural damage. However, precautionary inspections and public advisories have been issued in several affected regions.

What Happened Near Rhodes, Greece on June 3?

According to the initial report from the EMSC and corroborated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred just south of the Dodecanese Islands, a region prone to tectonic activity due to its position along the Hellenic Arc. The earthquake registered a moment magnitude of 6.2, with strong shaking reported in the island of Rhodes, where many residents were jolted awake by the early-morning tremor.

Greek Civil Protection authorities confirmed the depth and epicenter location shortly after the event, adding that emergency response teams had been activated to conduct structural checks in vulnerable areas.

How Widespread Was the Earthquake’s Impact?

The tremors were felt across multiple countries, spanning hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter. In Türkiye, reports of shaking came from southwestern cities such as Marmaris, Fethiye, and Antalya. The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) confirmed the quake was felt along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, but noted that no emergency alerts or evacuations were warranted based on current evaluations.

In Egypt, the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics reported light tremors in Cairo and Alexandria, with no damage to infrastructure. Syria’s National Earthquake Center acknowledged citizen reports of light but perceptible movement in Latakia and Homs, while Israel’s Geological Survey noted that mild shaking was experienced in areas such as Petah Tikva and Jerusalem.

Emergency call centers across the region received numerous inquiries, especially from residents in multi-story buildings who felt prolonged swaying. No tsunami warning was issued by regional meteorological agencies or the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Is This Region Prone to Earthquakes?

Yes, the Eastern Mediterranean region, especially the Hellenic Arc, is among the most seismically active zones in Europe. The tectonic setting involves the African plate subducting beneath the Eurasian plate, creating stress points that frequently produce earthquakes. The Dodecanese and Aegean Sea area, where Rhodes is located, is well-documented for moderate to strong seismic activity.

Historically, large earthquakes have struck near Rhodes, with notable events recorded in 1926 and 1956. More recently, a deadly 7.0 magnitude quake hit the Aegean Sea in October 2020, affecting İzmir in Türkiye and the Greek island of Samos.

Were There Any Casualties or Damage?

As of 8:30 AM local time, no fatalities or major injuries have been reported. Rhodes municipal authorities indicated that some buildings experienced minor cracks, particularly in older districts, but there were no immediate signs of collapse. Schools were temporarily closed for safety inspections, and some hotels evacuated guests as a precautionary measure before resuming operations.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was briefed by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, which confirmed no disruption to military installations in the Dodecanese area. In Türkiye, AFAD reported no structural collapses or critical incidents in the southwestern provinces.

The Greek Seismological Observatory will continue to monitor aftershock activity throughout the day, and has warned residents to be alert for possible secondary tremors.

What Have Regional Agencies and Governments Said?

The Greek Civil Protection Ministry issued a statement reassuring the public that monitoring systems remained fully operational and that the situation was under control. Officials emphasized that the earthquake’s depth likely helped mitigate damage on the surface. Interior Minister Niki Kerameus stated that all critical infrastructure checks were underway, particularly in high-traffic tourism zones on Rhodes.

Türkiye’s AFAD issued an advisory recommending that residents avoid elevators and poorly constructed buildings until full assessments are complete. The Egyptian Earthquake Center noted in its morning bulletin that no follow-up seismic activity had been detected in the Nile Delta region.

Israeli emergency agencies reported no need for public safety actions but advised citizens to review standard earthquake preparedness guidelines. No international aid requests have been made at this time.

Are Aftershocks Expected?

Seismologists from the Athens Institute of Geodynamics indicated that while aftershocks are likely, they are expected to be moderate and decrease in frequency over the coming days. One mild aftershock of 3.7 magnitude was reported roughly 40 minutes after the main quake in the same general region.

Authorities urged residents in Rhodes and surrounding islands to remain calm but vigilant, particularly in areas with older or structurally compromised buildings.

How Are Local Communities Responding?

In Rhodes, residents described a moment of confusion and alarm as the tremors struck just before sunrise. Many ran outdoors or gathered in open spaces, particularly in villages and neighborhoods with limited structural reinforcement. Businesses that had just opened for the day paused operations to check for damage, though many resumed normal activity by mid-morning.

Tourists staying in hotels near the coastline were guided by staff to assembly points, though most returned to their rooms once buildings were cleared by management. Social media posts from the island showed hanging lights swaying and small objects dislodged in kitchens and living spaces.

Similar scenes were described in coastal Türkiye, where residents reported swinging ceiling fixtures and rattling windows, but no panic.

What Are the Broader Implications for the Region?

While no catastrophic damage occurred, the incident once again highlights the need for cross-border earthquake response strategies in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece, Türkiye, and Egypt share a long history of earthquake exposure, and experts have repeatedly called for enhanced cooperation on early warning systems, data sharing, and infrastructure resilience.

Given the growth of tourism in islands like Rhodes and the urban expansion in Türkiye’s southwestern coast, the pressure to modernize building codes and emergency protocols remains high. Climate-resilient infrastructure discussions often overshadow seismic risk, but events like today’s quake serve as a reminder that geophysical threats are a persistent reality in this region.