Aftershocks Shake Mount Athos After Earthquake, Monasteries Report Minor Damage

Seismic activity continues to be recorded around Mount Athos following a stronger earthquake measured at 4.9 on the Richter scale, with authorities confirming a sequence of ongoing aftershocks. So far, tremors have remained below magnitude 3.5, but monitoring efforts remain in place due to continued instability in the area.

Further reading: Strong Aegean Earthquake Felt Across Bulgaria, No Damage Reported

Local monastic authorities report that two monasteries situated close to the epicenter, Xenophon and Dochiariou, have sustained limited damage. Structural issues include cracks in church domes and damage to interior frescoes. Officials note that the affected elements are repairable and no irreversible destruction has been reported.

The Bulgarian monastery “St. George Zograf” has not been impacted, according to reports cited by Bulgarian media. Its inland location on the peninsula is considered a protective factor against the strongest seismic effects.

As a precaution, pilgrims temporarily left monasteries in the region during the day to ensure safety while assessments are ongoing. Despite visible structural concerns in older buildings, no injuries have been reported.

Separate information from local sources indicates that a slightly stronger tremor, measured at 5.1 in some reports, also contributed to cracks in older constructions, particularly in the administrative center of Kareia. Even so, authorities stress that the damage remains limited and primarily cosmetic in nature.

Seismologists from the University of Thessaloniki’s Geophysics Laboratory identified the center as being approximately 8 km northwest of Kareia. The quake was felt strongly across coastal zones, with witnesses describing a prolonged shaking accompanied by a low rumbling sound.

Experts expect aftershocks to persist for at least two weeks, although they assess the likelihood of another major quake as low. Authorities continue to urge caution among monastic communities as the seismic sequence gradually stabilizes.