These two plates are colliding along the Cyprus Arc, a tectonic boundary that runs south of the island.

[6] This has resulted in moderately destructive, occasional earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.0–7.5 in 1222 which severely impacted the island and generated a large tsunami.

The earthquake was the largest in Cyprus since 1996,[5] and was felt across the island as well as Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Israel and Lebanon.

[3] Several structures received minor damage and objects fell from shelves in the Paphos and Lefke Districts.

[12] In Damietta, the earthquake may have led to the collapse of a four-storey apartment several hours later, killing three people and injuring another.