There has been significant damage to the water supply system and buildings, in the wider administrative district of Archanes Asterousia on the island of Crete, Archanes Mayor Manolis Kokosalis reported on Monday.

An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook eastern Crete at 09:15 on Monday. The quake's epicentre was located 23 km northwest of Arvi and its focal depth was 10 km, the Geodynamics Institute of National Observatory of Athens said.

Schools have been evacuated, while an inspection has already begun on the condition of the school buildings. All the authorities are on alert, focusing on the area of Arkalochori where there has been significant damage and churches have collapsed.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Christos Stylianidis and Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Evangelos Tournas, as well as the Secretary General of Civil Protection, Vassilios Papageorgiou, are expected to arrive on the island.