HISTORY OF EARTHQUAKES IN CYPRUS AND THEIR EFFECTS IN MONUMENTS
Cyprus is positioned in the earthquake zone of Alps-Himalaya, a zone that produces 15% of Earthquakes
worldwide. The number of earthquakes in Cyprus is accredited to the “Cyprus Arch” (Picture 1),
Picture 1: Tectonic Map of Eastern Mediterranean
which is the tectonic boundary between the African and Eurasian lithospheric plates (Picture 2) in the
East Mediterranean Area.
Picture 2: The Lithospheric Plates in Eastern Mediterranean
This is located in sea to the south and west of Cyprus. Along this Arch, a lot of earthquake epicenters
concentration is observed (Pictures 3 and 4), showing that the tectonic movements in the whole length
of it, is the cause of many earthquakes.
Picture 3: Maps of Earthquake Epicenters in the area of Cyprus during the period 1905-1996
Picture 4: Maps of Earthquake Epicenters in the area of Cyprus during the period 1997-2004
The study of historic and more recent earthquakes show that the time distribution of seismic activity is
not normal, but rather periods of intense activity exist, followed by periods of seismic recession. During
the years 1995-1999 an increase of seismic activity was observed with strong earthquakes of 5.6-6.5
degrees in the Richter scale.
Cyprus is in an earthquake zone and the entire island can be considered a heavily earthquake affected
area. But the most affected part of Cyprus is the coastal line (Picture 6), that extends from Paphos to
Ammochostos, through Limassol and Larnaca.
Picture 5: Maps of Seismic Hazard in Cyprus
The Cyprus Government, in order to reduce or even eliminate the consequences of earthquakes on
structures and more generally in the environment, has taken measures since the 80s, which focus on
following: a) the study and better understanding of seismic activity in Cyprus area (Picture 7), b) the
study of ground behavior, during an earthquake (Picture 8), emphasizing in urban and coastal areas, c)
the construction of antiseismic structures and the reinforcement of existing ones and d) the
establishment of appropriate infrastructure for proper and immediate response after an earthquake.
Picture 6: Neotectonic Maps of Paphos and Limassol Areas
Picture 7: Map of Seismic Hazard in the Broader Limassol Area
More accurate data for earthquakes taking place in the Cyprus area started to get collected since 1896,
when seismologic station began to operate in neighbor countries. The situation has improved a lot since
middle 80s, with establishment of seismologic stations in the southern and northern part of Cyprus.
Modern seismologic stations (Picture 9) are in operation in the southern and northern part of Cyprus
today. The main goals of the operation of these stations are: a) the collection of reliable data for the
study of seismic activity in Cyprus, b) the immediate and accurate analysis of earthquakes happening in
Cyprus and the transmission of the results in international and peripheral seismologic centers and c) the
immediate briefing of the responsible authorities and public for all the man-felt earthquakes.
Picture 8: Seismologic Network of Geological Overview Department
Historical references and archaeological finds show that Cyprus was hit by several strong earthquakes
over the past that in many occasions destroyed its cities (Photo 1).
Photo 1: Human Sceletons from People that during an Earthquake in the Ancient Curium Area
Historical Data show that 16 devastating earthquakes, with intensity of grade VIII in the modified
Mercalli scale, happened between 26 B.C and 1900 A.C. Paphos was destroyed in 15 B.C , while on 76
A.C the city was destroyed again, along with Salamis and Kition. Salamis and Kitio were destroyed again
in 332 A.C and 342 A.C.
During the 1896-2004 period, more than 400 earthquakes, with epicenters in Cyprus or the surrounding
area, were felt on our island. 14 of those caused damages, while during some of them there were
victims (Picture 9).
Picture 9: Catastrophic and Damage Causing Earthquakes in Cyprus, 1896-2000
The more disastrous earthquakes were these of 1941 (5.9 in the Richter magnitude scale). 1953 (6.1 in
the Richter magnitude scale), 1995 (5.7 in Richter magnitude scale) (Photo 2) and 1996 (6.5 in Richter
magnitude scale).
Photo 2: Damages of the church of Pano Arodes Village, caused by the Earthquake on 23rd February 1953
The earthquake of 1953 was particularly felt in Paphos, where many damages were caused and apart
from houses, it damages monuments, such as the one of the historical church of Stroumpi. The
earthquake of 1996 was particularly strong as well, which caused damages in several monuments and
sites of cultural interest in the cities and districts of Paphos and Limassol.