Hazard risk

How dangerous are earthquakes in Cyprus?

The strongest earthquake on record near Cyprus is M6.8 (1996). Real records from USGS, NOAA and the Smithsonian - not guesses.

Strongest on record
M 6.8
1996 - 36 km SW of Paphos, Cyprus
Quake rate nearby
~14/yr
M4+ within 300 km
Tsunamis on record
15
since 2000 BC
Volcanoes nearby
1
within 300 km

Cyprus lies near the Cyprus Arc, where the African plate descends beneath the Anatolian plate. This page pulls real records for Cyprus: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.

A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Cyprus.

Check Cyprus hazard risk in detail

An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Cyprus - or search any city or region.

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Earthquake risk in Cyprus - FAQ

Is Cyprus at risk of earthquakes?

Yes. On average about 14 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M6.8 in 1996.

What was the biggest earthquake in Cyprus?

The strongest earthquake on record near Cyprus is M6.8, in 1996 (36 km SW of Paphos, Cyprus), from USGS.

Does Cyprus get tsunamis?

Yes - 15 tsunamis since 2000 BC (most recently 2023) within 300 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 70,000 people.

How do I get earthquake warnings in Cyprus?

Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.

Other hazards in Cyprus

Earthquake risk in nearby countries