A magnitude 5.8 quake struck northwestern Greece early Sunday morning, shaking communities across the Epirus region and prompting residents to leave their homes as authorities began inspections for potential damage.

According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the earthquake occurred at 5:32 a.m. local time on March 8, 2026, with an estimated magnitude of 5.8 and a shallow depth of around 5 kilometers, making the shaking more strongly felt at the surface.

The epicenter was located near the city of Ioannina in northwestern Greece, close to the Greece–Albania border. Seismologists noted that the shallow depth of the quake amplified the intensity of the tremor in nearby towns and villages.

Residents in the wider Epirus region reported strong shaking lasting several seconds, with the tremor also felt on the Ionian Islands and parts of western Greece. Many people rushed outside their homes in the early morning hours after being awakened by the quake.

Local officials reported temporary power outages in parts of Ioannina, while authorities also confirmed rockfalls along sections of the Egnatia Odos highway, a major transport route linking northern Greece to the Ionian coast.

Seismological monitoring networks detected several smaller aftershocks, including a tremor measuring around 4.7 magnitude shortly after the main earthquake. Authorities say additional minor aftershocks are possible in the coming hours or days.

As of the latest reports, no casualties or serious structural damage have been confirmed. Emergency services and local authorities continue to inspect buildings in villages near the epicenter, including Rodotopi and surrounding communities.

Greece lies in one of the most seismically active regions in Europe due to the interaction of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, and moderate earthquakes are relatively common in the country.

Officials said monitoring will continue throughout the day as seismologists review data and assess the possibility of additional aftershocks. (ILKHA)