M4.6 Earthquake Strikes Near Kefalonia, Greece

Sámi, Greece — A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck off the Greek island of Kefalonia on Friday evening, hitting at 6:57 PM Central Time just 4 miles north-northeast of the port town of Sámi at a shallow depth of about 6 miles.

What happened: The U.S. Geological Survey reports the quake struck in the Ionian Sea, one of Europe's most earthquake-prone regions, where the African Plate grinds against the Aegean. The epicenter was essentially just offshore of Kefalonia's eastern coast.

Impacts: Six felt reports have reached the USGS, describing light-to-moderate shaking — enough to rattle windows and wake sleepers. Shallow quakes near populated islands get attention even at this size, but a 4.6 rarely damages modern buildings. No tsunami threat was issued, and no damage has been reported so far.

What to do:

- During shaking, drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table.

- Stay indoors until the shaking stops — most injuries come from falling objects and panicked exits.

- Check for cracked plaster or toppled items afterward, and be ready for small aftershocks.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 17, 2026.