Authorities have stepped up precautions on the volcanic island of Santorini, Greece, following a spike in seismic activity that has raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake. As of Monday, more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded over the past three days in the Aegean Sea, prompting the government to close schools and send emergency crews to the island.
Several nearby islands, including Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios, have also been affected, with schools closed and evacuation protocols in place for residents. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety measures to minimize risk.
The earthquakes, with magnitudes up to 4.8, have been ongoing, with the strongest occurring on Sunday afternoon between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, measuring 4.6 in magnitude, as reported by AFP.
While experts state the tremors are not related to Santorini’s volcano, the frequency and intensity of the quakes have left residents anxious. Local resident Michalis Gerontakis, director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, expressed his concern, noting that while the orchestra performed amid the quakes, the constant shaking made the community uneasy. “You cannot contend with nature,” Gerontakis remarked, as quoted by AP.
Despite the fear among locals, experts such as Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Organisation of Antiseismic Planning and Protection, have reassured that while a 5.5 magnitude quake could be possible, a quake above magnitude six is not expected.
However, Gerasimos Papadopoulos, a prominent Greek seismologist, cautioned that the current earthquake sequence could indicate the potential for a larger event, especially as the tremors continue to intensify and shift toward the northeast.
In response to the ongoing seismic threat, authorities have advised Santorini’s residents and visitors to avoid large indoor gatherings and steer clear of areas prone to rock slides, such as certain ports and swimming pools.
Emergency teams, including firefighters and rescue personnel, have been dispatched to assist, with temporary shelters set up for displaced families.
As the potential danger looms, some locals opted to sleep outdoors or leave the island by ferry and plane in response to the tremors.
Santorini, a major tourist destination known for its stunning views and whitewashed villages, draws millions of visitors each year.
With 3.4 million tourists in 2023 alone, concerns about over-tourism have resurfaced, especially given the island’s limited capacity to handle large-scale evacuations in the event of a disaster.