Greek seismologists sought to reassure the public following a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Thesprotia, Epirus in the early hours of Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The tremor was recorded at 5:32 PM local time and occurred at a focal depth of 9.7 kilometers (6 miles). The epicenter was located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of Leptokarya, Thesprotia near the Greek-Albanian border. The quake was felt across large areas of Epirus and Thessaly, as well as the Ionian Islands.
Efthymios Lekkas, Professor of Geology and Natural Disaster Management, noted that it has been approximately eight years since the last major seismic sequence in the broader Ioannina region. “It began yesterday with a 5.3 magnitude tremor at 5:30 AM, followed by dozens of smaller aftershocks, including four exceeding 4.0 on the Richter scale,” Lekkas explained.
He characterized the activity as an “earthquake swarm“—a phenomenon during which numerous quakes occur over several days without a single, dominant “mainshock,” standing out significantly from the rest.
Lekkas emphasized that the phenomenon is evolving normally. “We are seeing dozens of tremors, mostly between magnitude 3 and 4. These are positive as they gradually release seismic energy,” he stated, though he noted the unique geotectonic environment of the region differs from the Hellenic Arc or Crete.
School closures in Epirus after earthquake
Local mayors have decided to close schools as a precaution. Lekkas clarified that such decisions rest with the municipalities unless a major disaster requires intervention from the Ministry of Civil Protection and Climate Crisis.
The Professor warned that the activity might persist, which may be “distressing for residents.” He attributed this to the specific local rock formations that undergo swelling processes, resulting in a unique geological setting.
Lekkas highlighted that a comprehensive seismic shielding program was recently delivered to the Municipality of Ioannina through a collaboration between the University and the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP).
“This program is vital for the Municipality to enhance citizen safety,” Lekkas noted. He concluded by pointing out that the only reported structural concerns involve older or abandoned buildings, many of which are only inhabited for a few weeks during the summer and are not in regular use.
Related: 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Nea Stira, Evia, Rattling Attica
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