European authorities have issued a tsunami warning following a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that hit the coast of Crete, Greece, on the morning of May 22. The quake was felt throughout the Aegean region, reaching as far as parts of Turkey and Israel.
The tremor occurred at 8:49 am local time, with its epicenter located in the sea, about 58 kilometers (36 miles) north-northeast of the town of Elounda, at a depth of 69 kilometers (43 miles). This marks the second earthquake in the region within a week.
Events like these serve as a reminder of how earthquakes can trigger powerful tsunamis, especially when they originate offshore. While the initial shaking may pass quickly, coastal areas may still face the threat of massive waves minutes or even hours later. So how much time do you really have to escape a tsunami? And what steps should you take to stay safe? Click on the following gallery to learn more.