Cyprus island hit by 5.0 earthquake, social media reacts

The entire island of Cyprus was hit by an earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale on Thursday afternoon.

The quake that lasted for almost 20 seconds happened at about 4:27pm on Thursday and was felt around the island especially by residents of high rise buildings. 

Hundreds of people from south to north of the island took to the streets for fear of the building collapsing. 

According to report, the quake was felt strongest in Larnaca and Famagusta districts.

As at the time of this report, no damage was reported.

According to the  European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) the quake was a magnitude 5.3 on the Richter scale at a moderately shallow depth of 55km beneath the epicenter and 18 kilometres northeast of Larnaca.

It was also felt in Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Turkey.

It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc. 

According to Cyprus Mail, Cyprus is a earthquake-prone zone but strong tremors are not common. 

The highest registered in recent years was a magnitude of 6.3 in 1996 but it caused little damage.

Did anyone notice the earth/building shook in Cyprus just now?

Posted by Olomoinfo on Thursday, January 21, 2021

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