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Moderate Earthquake Strikes Western Crete; Magnitude 4.4 Recorded

Tuesday, 7 July 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

A moderate earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck approximately 55 km west of Chania, in western Crete, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 01:18 local Athens time. The tremor was recorded during the night while most residents and visitors were asleep. Earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively common in Crete, which sits in one of Europe's most seismically active zones. A 4.4 event can be felt by people indoors, particularly on upper floors, and may cause minor rattling of objects, but typically does not result in structural damage to well-built buildings. No injuries or significant damage have been reported at this time. Tourists staying in the Chania region or western Crete should not be alarmed. Normal activities, beach access, and travel within the area remain unaffected. If you feel a tremor, standard advice applies: stay calm, move away from windows, and follow guidance from local authorities.

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