A 4.9 magnitude earthquake has struck near the Aegean island of Skiathos, the second tremor to hit the same location within hours, prompting authorities to issue precautionary safety guidelines while urging residents not to be alarmed.
According to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, the epicenter was located 8 kilometers west of Skiathos at a depth of 14.1 kilometers.
The tremor was felt in parts of Attica, including the greater Athens area. It followed an earlier 4.7 magnitude quake at the same location, with a depth estimated at 13.1 kilometers.
Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, told public broadcaster ERT there was no cause for concern, saying the seismic activity was consistent with a small fault line already known to Greek seismologists.
Greek civil protection authorities used the occasion to issue a set of household safety guidelines, reminding citizens of basic precautions to reduce risk in the event of stronger tremors. Recommendations include anchoring shelves and bookcases to walls, moving tall furniture away from doorways, securing water heaters and fuel tanks, placing heavy objects on lower shelves and removing items stored above beds and sofas.
Residents are also advised to identify safe spots in each room — such as under sturdy tables — and to avoid standing near glass surfaces or exterior walls during shaking.
Authorities further encouraged households to check that electricity and gas systems are functioning safely.
Greece sits on one of Europe's most active seismic zones, with tremors of varying magnitude a routine feature of daily life across much of the country.