Heathrow and Gatwick: Crete holiday travel warning issued after earthquake and possible tsunami
Anyone hoping to have a winter holiday in Crete should know that the UK government has issued a travel warning for the Greek island.
The announcement was made following a magnitude 6.3 earthquake yesterday.
Tourists to the region are cautioned to stay away from certain coastal areas and to “stay alert”.
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The Foreign Office says: “The British Embassy is monitoring reports of an earthquake in eastern Crete, about 25 km southeast of the town of Sitia, which struck on 12 October.
“You must remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities, and be aware of the possibility of aftershocks.”
(Photo: AP Photo / Harry Nikos)
Local authorities have also issued a tsunami alert, asking anyone in the area to avoid coastal areas and beaches.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos said the island was also hit by a tsunami following the massive earthquake.
Calling on people to evacuate its coastal areas, he said: “A small tsunami is underway in southern Crete. Get off the ribs.
The strong earthquake reportedly damaged a church near Sitia while other images showed smashed items in a supermarket as a result of the tremors.
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TUI’s latest statement on its website explains: “We are aware of the earthquake that occurred in Crete this morning.
“We can confirm that our clients and destination teams are all safe and sound, and that clients continue to enjoy their vacations as planned.
“We would like to reassure customers who need to travel to Crete that the airport is open and our flights continue to operate.
“The safety and well-being of our customers is always our top priority and we continue to monitor the situation.”
The quake comes just weeks after a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit the island.
Tourists were evacuated from seaside resorts, while in the island’s capital, Heraklion, locals rushed to the streets when the earthquake rocked their homes at 9:17 a.m. local time.
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