Paphos: An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck west of Cyprus on Wednesday, and was felt by residents of several neighboring countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Cyprus Geological Survey Department stated that the quake occurred at approximately 11:32 local time, 20 kilometers northeast of the city of Paphos in western Cyprus.

The earthquake took place at a depth of 15 kilometers. The statement from the Cyprus Geological Survey Department mentioned that there have been no reports of damage so far. However, state television indicated that public buildings in Paphos were briefly evacuated as a precautionary measure.

In a related context, authorities in Lebanon and Egypt reported that residents in certain areas of both countries experienced the tremors from the earthquake. Cyprus, situated in a seismically active zone, experiences earthquakes occasionally, though they rarely result in damage.