Another earthquake strikes off Cyprus

Another earthquake in a very short period of time was recorded off the coast of Cyprus on Wednesday night, with local officials estimating that the seismic activity was aftershock from last month without ruling out a bigger eruption in the future.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake shook the island on Wednesday night, with the state’s Geological Survey Department issuing a statement around midnight saying no damage or injuries were immediately reported.

The earthquake struck at 11:04pm with an epicenter some 33 miles off the western coast at a depth of 15 miles.

Officials said the earthquake was felt primarily in Paphos as well as in coastal parts of Turkey, while tremors were also felt in other parts of the island including the capital Nicosia.

According to the statement, officials estimated that the activity was believed to be another aftershock from a bigger 6.5 earthquake on January 11, saying this "energy release" could last for months.

Another low impact earthquake also struck off the northwestern coast last week, with experts at the time also looking into the possibility that two separate tremors in the early morning on January 28 were also aftershock from seismic activity two weeks earlier.

Officials Thursday morning said aftershocks were not uncommon near Cyprus, which is situated in a seismic zone where quakes are frequent.

But they also warned the public and local authorities to stay alert and be prepared for the possibility of a bigger earthquake in the region, saying “it cannot be ruled out but it is not imminent."