Hundreds of earthquakes have been shaking the volcanic Greek island of Santorini since Saturday, prompting emergency measures and growing concerns among residents and scientists.
According to AP News, authorities have deployed rescue teams with specialized equipment while closing schools on four islands as seismologists monitor the unusual earthquake swarm between Santorini and Amorgos.
The seismic activity ranges from magnitude 3 to 4.9, occurring along a 120-kilometer fault line beneath the seabed. Scientists note that while Greece frequently experiences earthquakes, the current pattern of sustained tremors without a preceding major quake is uncommon. Local officials have implemented various safety protocols, including evacuation plans and restrictions on coastal access.
Rescue teams equipped with drones and a sniffer dog have established a staging area near Santorini's main hospital. Officials have issued cellphone alerts warning residents to avoid areas prone to rockslides. The precautionary measures extend to swimming pools, which must be drained to prevent potential structural damage during a major earthquake.
Schools on Santorini and the neighboring islands of Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios will remain closed throughout the week. Other nearby islands have also suspended classes as a precautionary measure. Residents have been instructed to identify escape routes and avoid old buildings.
Local authorities are particularly concerned about the island's unique architecture, with many buildings perched along the volcanic caldera's rim. The dramatic cliffside location of Santorini's whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, while picturesque, presents additional safety challenges during seismic events.
Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry recently detected mild seismic-volcanic activity within Santorini's caldera. However, experts emphasize that the current earthquake swarm is unrelated to this volcanic activity. The island sits along the Hellenic Volcanic Arc and houses two volcanoes: Nea Kameni and the submarine Kolumbo.
Professor Costas Papazachos of the University of Thessaloniki stated: "All scientists agree that this is a highly unlikely scenario."
Seismologist Efthymios Lekkas, who heads the scientific monitoring committee for the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, offered reassurance about volcanic risks:
What we must realize is that the Santorini volcano produces very large explosions every 20,000 years. It's been 3,000 years since the last explosion, so we have a very long time ahead of us before we face a big explosion.
The region has a significant seismic history, including the devastating 1956 Amorgos earthquake that measured 7.7 magnitude and triggered a 20-meter tsunami. This event caused extensive damage to both Amorgos and Santorini, resulting in over 50 fatalities.
The ongoing seismic activity between Santorini and Amorgos has triggered a comprehensive emergency response from Greek authorities.
Multiple earthquakes continue to shake the region as scientists work to determine whether these tremors are foreshocks of a larger earthquake or part of a prolonged swarm that could persist for weeks or months.
While no significant damage or injuries have been reported, officials maintain strict safety protocols as they monitor the situation, focusing particularly on protecting residents and preserving the iconic island's unique architectural heritage.
