A major 6.8 earthquake in Greece at 12.54 am local time is not expected to cause damage. However a tsunami was observed in the sea level instrument nearby of about 20cm. This can cause a strong local current.
The epicentre of the quake was located in the Ionian Sea, near the Greek Island of Zante and about 50 miles north-east of the city of Pyrgos.
The quake had a depth of around 16 kilometres. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said casualties are possible.
Tourists report violent shaking in Greece. Witnesses tweeted : “Objects fell off shelves. According to reports, the quake lasted 15 to 30 seconds and was felt as far as Malta, Libya, Italy, Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Turkey.
3 hours after the quake no reports of casualties or injuries were reported.