Earthquake hits Epirus region in northwestern Greece

On March 8, 2026, at 05:32 local time, a significant earthquake struck the Epirus region in Greece. Reports on the magnitude vary slightly, with most sources citing 5.3 Richter, while one report mentions 5.4. The epicenter was located approximately 12 kilometers east of Leptokarya in Thesprotia, with focal depth estimates ranging from 5 to 13 kilometers. The tremor was felt across Epirus, Thessaly, and the Ionian islands. Regional governor Alexandros Kachrimanis confirmed minor rockfalls on the Egnatia Odos highway toward Igoumenitsa. Power outages occurred in parts of the Ioannina basin, though service was largely restored quickly. No serious damages or injuries have been reported, although residents in several areas evacuated their homes in alarm. A separate 4.4 magnitude earthquake was reported later that morning near the island of Megisti (Kastellorizo), unrelated to the events in Epirus.