( CNN ) -- A 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit near the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday , the U.S. Geological Survey said . It struck at 12:30 p.m. ( 5:30 a.m . ET ) , the USGS said . It was centered about 80 miles ( 130 kilometers ) off the city of Iraklion on Crete , the USGS said . An earthquake with a 6.7 magnitude is capable of causing significant damage , especially in areas of poor construction . There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries . A staff member at Iraklion Airport told CNN they did n't feel the earthquake . Similar reports came from staff members at hotels just outside Iraklion and in western Crete . A spokesman at the Greek Ministry of Health in Athens , 450 kilometers ( 280 miles ) from the epicenter , also said he did n't feel the quake . David Booth , a seismologist at the British Geological Survey , explained that the earthquake happened deep below the sea , leading to little risk of tsunami and reducing the likelihood that people would feel tremors . -- CNN 's Claudia Rebaza and Krsna Harilela in London , England , contributed to this report .
A 6.7-magnitude earthquake hits near the Greek island of Crete . 6.7 quake can cause major damage , especially in areas of poor construction . No immediate word on casualties or damage .