Is Cyprus in an Earthquake Zone?

Published Categorized as Cyprus
Is Cyprus in an earthquake zone

This post was most recently updated on January 6th, 2023

Today in this article we are going to learn about Earthquakes in Cyprus and how often do they occur.

Why is Cyprus having so many earthquakes?

Why is Cyprus having so many earthquakes

Cyprus is having so many earthquakes because it lies at the junction of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates which is an active seismic zone where it is estimated that 15% of the world’s earthquakes occur.

Almost on a daily basis earthquakes throughout the Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt are recorded. Tectonic activity and movement of plates in this area never cease for a minute, and the pressure under the earth’s crust increases to a critical point which is eventually discharged, causing an earthquake.

When was the last major earthquake in Cyprus?

Last biggest earthquake occurred in Cyprus

According to the country’s Geological Survey Department, the last major earthquake in Cyprus was recorded on October 9, 1996, and it was of 6.8 magnitudes. It occurred in Paphos on a Wednesday at 3:10 pm. Its principal aftershock occurred on October 10 and it was of 5.8 magnitudes. It was felt by the whole country.

Here are some of the biggest earthquakes recorded in Cyprus.

  • Cyprus Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 2:07 AM, Magnitude: 6.6
  • Northern Cyprus Saturday, June 27, 1998, 3:55 PM, Magnitude: 6.3
  • Paphos Thursday, September 10, 1953, 6:06 AM, Magnitude: 6.3
  • Larnaca Friday, September 15, 1961, 3:46 AM, Magnitude: 5.9

Are buildings in Cyprus earthquake-proof?

Are buildings in Cyprus earthquake-proof

Some buildings in Cyprus are earthquake-proof, and some buildings aren’t. Buildings that were built before 1986 are prone to earthquakes, and buildings built after that time are quite strong and are capable to withstand local earthquakes as they are built based on a reinforced concrete structure.

When was the last earthquake in Cyprus?

The last earthquake in Cyprus occurred on August 10, 2022, at 4:03 pm. It was a minor earthquake and was of 1.4 Magnitude.

How often do earthquakes occur in Cyprus?

According to the country’s Geological Survey Department, every year Cyprus gets around 500 Quake tremors whose magnitudes are recorded between 1 and 5 on a Richter scale. The coastline of Cyprus, stretching from Pafos to Famagusta, is most prone to earthquakes. Annually the coasts of Cyprus are subjected to minor earthquakes which have no adverse effect on the population.

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