Earthquake strikes off Cyprus’ west coast

A submarine earthquake struck just off Cyprus’ west coast Tuesday early morning, with local authorities reporting no damages as seismic activity was felt across the island and in nearby Turkey, Israel, and Lebanon.

Reports said a 6.1-magnitude strong and relatively shallow quake was centered 30 miles west of Polis Chrysochous, shaking buildings all the way in the capital Nicosia.

According to CY Geological Survey, the intensity of the earthquake was felt across the entire island.

The main event took place at 3:08am with Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos telling state radio that he felt the earthquake and got out of his residence with his family. Additional reports said some people who were awake or felt the quake went out into the streets.

No damages were reported during or immediately after the earthquake, while a tsunami warning was later recalled as aftershock activity was minimal.

Tuesday’s event took place in the same zone where a stronger earthquake hit back in the mid 90's, when two people on the island died after seismic activity was centered closer to the coastline.