Small earthquake felt in Cyprus: A seismic shake-up in the Mediterranean
On March 2, 2025, at 1:07 PM local time, people across Cyprus felt a gentle tremor when a small earthquake measuring 3.0 struck approximately 28 km west-southwest of Nicosia[1]. This minor quake is just another reminder of Cyprus’s position in a seismically active region, nestled between the shifting tectonic plates of Anatolia and Africa.
Recent seismic activity in Cyprus
Cyprus has been experiencing a string of minor earthquakes recently. Here’s the latest rundown of seismic events:
- March 2, 2025: M 3.0, 28 km WSW from Nicosia
- March 1, 2025: M 2.9, 271 km NE from Famagusta
- February 28, 2025: M 3.0, 279 km ENE from Nicosia
- February 27, 2025: M 2.4, 297 km NNW from Paphos
- February 27, 2025: M 2.8, 266 km ENE from Nicosia
These recent occurrences emphasize Cyprus’s ongoing seismic activity, with most quakes registering as low to moderate in intensity[1].
Cyprus’s seismic profile
With its location in the second most active earthquake-prone zone on Earth, Cyprus is no stranger to tremors. Thankfully, it sits in a less active section of this zone, typically experiencing fewer and milder earthquakes compared to other Mediterranean regions.
Earthquake statistics for Cyprus:
- Average of 277 earthquakes (magnitude 4+) recorded within 300 km of Cyprus in the last decade
- Yearly average of 27 earthquakes
- Monthly average of 2 earthquakes
- An earthquake occurs near Cyprus roughly every 13 days[1]
Tectonic setting of Cyprus
Curious about what causes the earthquakes? Cyprus’s seismic activity primarily stems from its positioning in a complex tectonic environment. Here are some key facts:
- It sits at the convergence of the Anatolian and African plates.
- The Cyprus Arc delineates a tectonic boundary south of the island, marking the collision zone of these plates.
- The Paphos Transform Fault, a smaller transform fault, offsets this subduction zone.
- This plate boundary connects with the Dead Sea Transform and the East Anatolian Fault, affecting the movements of the African and Arabian plates[3].
Historical seismic events
While Cyprus usually sees moderate tremors, it has had its share of significant earthquakes in the past:
- 1222 AD: A massive earthquake, measuring between 7.0 and 7.5, rocked the island and resulted in a devastating tsunami[3].
- January 11, 2022: The island was shaken by a magnitude 6.6 earthquake, the strongest in the Mediterranean since 2003[3].
- 1996: Marked the last major earthquake felt in Cyprus before the 2022 incident[3].
Earthquake preparedness in Cyprus
With Cyprus’s seismic profile, it’s vital for both locals and travelers to be earthquake-aware. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Stay updated on local seismic activity using trusted sources.
- Learn about earthquake safety measures.
- Assemble an emergency kit that includes essentials like water, non-perishable foods, and first-aid supplies.
- Identify safe locations to take cover in your home or workplace during a quake.
- Join community drills and awareness programs to stay prepared.
Conclusion
The recent magnitude 3.0 earthquake near Nicosia might have been small, but it serves as a stark reminder of Cyprus’s vulnerability to seismic activity. By understanding the island’s tectonic framework and staying informed about seismic events, residents and visitors to this stunning Mediterranean location can be better prepared for any potential future tremors.
For further details on earthquakes in Cyprus, check out the Cyprus Earthquake List and the VolcanoDiscovery Cyprus Earthquakes page.
