2018 Ionian Sea earthquake

A strong earthquake measuring magnitude M_w 6.8 occurred in the Ionian Sea near the coasts of Greece during the night between 25 and 26 October 2018 at 22:54:51 UTC (01:54:51 in Greece).[1] Sea level changes were predicted,[2] and a tsunami advisory was issued.[3][4] Reports of sea level change of up to 20 centimeters were reported in Greece and Italy.[5]

2018 Ionian Sea earthquake

UTC time	2018-10-25 22:54:51
ISC event	613514189
USGS-ANSS	ComCat
Local date	October 26, 2018 (2018-10-26)
Local time	01:54:51 EEST
Magnitude	6.8 Mw
Depth	14 km (8.7 mi)
Epicenter	37.506°N 20.563°E / 37.506; 20.563
Max. intensity	VII (Very strong)
Tsunami	~20 cm
Casualties	3 injured

The epicenter was located about 133 km from Patras. The earthquake occurred 14 km below the surface.[5] Power outages were reported on the island of Zakynthos, and a 15th century monastery was also damaged on the islands of Strofades.[6][5] The port of Zakynthos also sustained major damage, and a state of emergency was declared in the municipality.[7] Services around Zakynthos were affected, and schools were closed on October 26.[8] Tax relief was also extended into January in order to support the local tourism industry.[9]

Other structures were damaged, but despite the magnitude of the event, there were no reported serious injuries or casualties.[10] About 120 homes were left uninhabitable, and the town laterally shifted 5 centimeters as a result of the earthquake.[11] A strict building code was cited as a possible reason for the limited amount of damage, as Zakynthos suffered major damage from a 1953 earthquake.[8][5]

The event was felt in eight different countries, including in the Balkans, Italy, Malta as well as coasts of Africa and Turkey.[12][13]

The main shock was followed by multiple aftershocks in the following days, including undersea aftershocks of magnitude 4.4 and 5 over a week after the initial earthquake.[14] The largest reported aftershock was of magnitude 5.6 the day of the initial earthquake.[15]