Crete earthquake – Greek holiday island rocked by 5.3 magnitude tremor terrifying Brits in popular Malia resort

THE Greek holiday island of Crete was struck by an earthquake this morning.

Brit holidaymakers were woken by shaking buildings as the 5.3 magnitude tremor hit at around 7.40am.

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The epicentre of the quake was 14 miles northwest of the port city of Heraklion -  and near the popular holiday town of Malia.

Holidaymakers in the boozy resort reported buildings shaking there.

Brit Steve Davies, who lives on the island, said he was feeding his three cats when the earthquake struck.

"I heard a loud bang outside," said the 66-year-old, who's originally from Milford on Sea, Hampshire.

"A fraction of a second later the whole house was shaking.

"Everything in the cupboards was rattling and the wall mirrors were swinging wildly."

But he said the three feet think walls of the old Turkish villa where he lives were able to withstand the quake.

'LOUD BANG'

Ellie Raven tweeted: "Was woken up pretty sharply by an earthquake in Crete this morning. Whole room shaking."

Locals shared their shock online, with one writing: "Earthquake in Crete. We’re 40 miles from epicentre. Shook villa for 4-5 seconds."

Another added: "Getting woken up by an earthquake in Crete. Could of started the day a bit better than that tbh".

Local site  reported that the tremor was felt throughout the island and as far north as Santorini.

The island’s regional governor Stavros Arnaoutakis said there were no known injuries or damage to buildings.

Do you have footage of the quake? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. 

He told radio station: “I have spoken with the mayor of Anogeia, where the epicentre of the earthquake was recorded and he told me there is no damage.

"The tremor was was felt here in Heraklion. It was short, 5-6 seconds."

It's the second quake to strike Greece this month, with crowds running into the street after the powerful tremor hit Athens.

Strong quakes are common in Greece, which lies in one of the most seismically active parts of the world.

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