Cyprus Earthquakes Today: Live Tracker

About Earthquake Activity in Cyprus

Cyprus lies in a complex plate boundary zone between Africa, Anatolia, and Eurasia, with moderate seismicity. The 1996 M6.8 earthquake near Paphos was felt across the island. Major faults include Cyprus Arc, Paphos fault zone. Notable quakes include 1996 Paphos (M6.8), 1941 Limassol (M6.0). The seismic risk is moderate. Tectonically, Cyprus lies on convergent – african plate subducting beneath anatolian plate. This page provides real‑time USGS data and historical context for Cyprus.

The region is defined by Cyprus Arc, Paphos fault zone, and the risk level is classified as Moderate. With a population of 1.2 million, understanding local seismic hazards is crucial.

Why does Cyprus experience earthquakes?

Cyprus lies on Convergent – African Plate subducting beneath Anatolian Plate. The movement of these plates builds up stress, which is released as earthquakes. In subduction zones, one plate dives beneath another, generating some of the largest quakes on Earth. In some regions, strike‑slip faults produce frequent moderate earthquakes.

Key facts about Cyprus seismicity

• 🌋 Seismic risk: Moderate
• 🏔️ Major faults: Cyprus Arc, Paphos fault zone
• 📅 Notable historical quakes: 1996 Paphos (M6.8), 1941 Limassol (M6.0), 2015 M5.7
• 👥 Population exposed: 1.2 million
• 🧩 Tectonic setting: Convergent – African Plate subducting beneath Anatolian Plate

Frequently Asked Questions about Cyprus Earthquakes

❓ What was the strongest earthquake in Cyprus?

The strongest recorded earthquake in Cyprus was the 1996 Paphos earthquake (M6.8). 1996 Paphos (M6.8)

❓ How often do earthquakes occur in Cyprus?

Cyprus experiences approximately 50-200 earthquakes per year, with 5-20 felt (M3.0+) and 0-2 potentially damaging events (M5.0+) annually, according to USGS historical data.

❓ When was the last major earthquake in Cyprus?

The most recent major earthquake in Cyprus was the 1996 Paphos earthquake (M6.8). 1996 Paphos (M6.8)

❓ Is Cyprus on a fault line?

Yes. Cyprus is crossed by Cyprus Arc, Paphos fault zone, making it prone to seismic activity. The seismic risk level is classified as Moderate.

❓ What should I do during an earthquake in Cyprus?

Drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows, and if outdoors, move to an open area. After the shaking stops, check for injuries and be ready for aftershocks. Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, first aid, and a flashlight.

Other seismically active regions

Data sources: USGS real‑time feed, USGS historical archive, and Wikipedia. Page refreshes live earthquake data every 60 seconds.

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