A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Cyprus on November 12, 2025, at approximately 11:31 a.m. local time, with tremors felt across northern Israel, including in cities like Haifa, Afula, and Nazareth. The earthquake’s epicenter was near the city of Paphos in western Cyprus and originated roughly 15-20 kilometers beneath the surface.
JTVC News
Impact in Cyprus and Israel
Residents in both Cyprus and northern Israel reported mild shaking but authorities confirmed that no injuries or significant damage occurred. In Cyprus, the tremor prompted temporary evacuations of schools, office buildings, and apartment complexes, as well as interruptions to telecommunications networks. Israeli citizens, particularly those in northern and coastal regions, described brief moments where furniture and fixtures visibly moved, but emergency services did not report any casualties or structural loss.
Seismic Activity Details
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) registered the earthquake as magnitude 5.1 or 5.2, while local surveys reported several aftershocks in the minutes that followed, some reaching up to 4.7 in magnitude. The earthquake follows a trend of increased seismic events in the eastern Mediterranean, prompting renewed discussion of regional preparedness measures in both Israel and Cyprus, including contingency planning for possible tsunamis in coastal areas.
Regional Response
Authorities in Cyprus and Israel monitored the situation closely, issuing public advisories and reviewing emergency protocols. Schools and public facilities in Cyprus temporarily assembled occupants outdoors as a precaution, while Israel’s Geological Survey reassured residents that the earthquake posed no immediate threat.
Despite the widespread feeling of the quake, both countries resumed normal activities shortly afterward, with experts emphasizing the importance of ongoing preparedness due to the region’s seismicity.
Timeline of Events
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November 12, 2025, 11:31 a.m. (local time):
The 5.1-magnitude earthquake occurs near Cyprus, with the epicenter close to Paphos, at a depth of roughly 15-20 km. -
Moments after 11:31 a.m.:
Residents across northern Israel—including Haifa, Afula, Nazareth, and nearby coastal regions—report feeling mild to moderate tremors shortly after the quake hits. -
Within minutes:
Schools, office buildings, and apartments in Cyprus are briefly evacuated as a precaution. In Israel, emergency services receive calls describing brief shaking but do not report injuries or damage. Israeli Geological Survey confirms the intensity and assures no immediate threat to infrastructure. -
Minutes following the initial quake:
There are several aftershocks near Cyprus, with some reaching magnitudes above 4.0. These did not cause further impacts in Israel but were monitored for additional risks.
Notable Details
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The quake and resulting tremors were felt broadly but caused no reported casualties or significant damage in Israel or Cyprus.
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The earthquake represents ongoing seismic activity in the eastern Mediterranean and underscores regional emergency protocols and preparedness.
This timeline summarizes the main sequence of events for the quake and its effects in northern Israel, based on current news and seismic reports.
