A 5.1 Richter earthquake was reported at 21:58 on Thursday, in the southern part of the prefecture of Heraklion.

The epicentre is 7 km south-southwest of the Moiras of Heraklion. The focal depth is 8.9 kilometres.

The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre estimates the magnitude of the tremor at 5 degrees and the focal depth at 10 kilometres.

The tremor was felt throughout eastern Crete. Local media reports that the residents of Tymbaki and Moires took to the streets in fear.

On Wednesday night, an earthquake of magnitude 4.2 occurred in the same area.