Second earthquake of magnitude 5.3 hits Cyprus as aftershock continues throughout the day

Nicosia – November 12, 2025:  A second earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck Cyprus late Wednesday afternoon, intensifying a day of seismic activity that has rattled the island.

According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the latest tremor occurred at approximately 4:30pm and initially measured between 5.3 and 5.9 on the Richter scale, before being revised to 5.3. The quake had a focal depth of 11 kilometres.

This follows a strong 5.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the island earlier in the day, at around 11:30am, causing widespread alarm but no significant damage or injuries. The earlier quake’s epicentre was located near Ayia Marina Kelokedaron, in the Paphos district, and was followed by several aftershocks exceeding magnitude 3.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Christodoulos Hadjigeorgiou, director of the Geological Survey Department, confirmed that Wednesday’s afternoon tremor appeared slightly weaker than the morning quake. 

“There has been a sequence of aftershocks and earthquakes since the morning, which needs to be studied,” Hadjigeorgiou said, adding that ongoing seismic activity is expected to continue as the department’s seismological centre closely monitors the situation.

So far, no reports of damage or injuries have been recorded. Civil Defence and local authorities remain on standby, urging the public to remain calm and follow safety protocols in the event of further tremors.

Wednesday’s quakes serve as a reminder of Cyprus’s position within an active seismic zone, where minor earthquakes occur frequently, though most are not felt by residents.