Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini following a series of earthquakes, with more than 10,000 residents evacuating due to fears of continued seismic activity. A significant 5.2 magnitude quake occurred on Wednesday, prompting a comprehensive emergency response that includes military and police presence, while experts monitor the unprecedented seismic events closely.
The Greek authorities have declared a state of emergency on Santorini following a series of earthquakes that have reinforced fears among residents and tourists. This decision comes after over 10,000 individuals, including both citizens and workers, evacuated the island due to near-constant seismic activity, culminating in a significant 5.2 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday night.
The seismic events have occurred in proximity to Santorini, involving undersea quakes between the island and nearby regions like Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios. Experts highlight that the current seismic activity is unprecedented, leading authorities to close schools, deploy rescuers, and restrict access to ports and indoor venues.
A combination of military, fire service, and police personnel has been dispatched to the island to assist in the emergency response, which is set to remain in effect until 3 March. Despite Greece’s historical vulnerability to earthquakes, seismologists have stated that the level of activity observed is unusual and may persist for an extended period.
While scientists emphasize that the ongoing tremors are not linked to volcanic activity in the Aegean Sea, they cannot rule out the possibility of a more significant earthquake. Seismologist Vassilis K. Karastathis stated, “We are not yet in a position to say that we are seeing any evidence that would lead to the sequence slowly coming to a conclusion.”
Santorini’s geological structure is the result of significant volcanic events, with one of the largest eruptions in history occurring around 1600 BC. Although the recent undersea tremors present a lower risk of widespread damage compared to land-based earthquakes, the state of emergency remains a critical response to safeguard the safety of the island’s population and infrastructure.
The recent earthquakes on Santorini are part of Greece’s ongoing struggles with seismic activity, as the country is one of the most earthquake-prone regions in Europe. The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the severity of the situation, especially with more than 10,000 residents and workers feeling compelled to flee the island amid heightened geological unrest. Seismologists are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this seismic sequence.
The declaration of a state of emergency on Santorini following a string of earthquakes highlights Greece’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly seismic activities. With authorities taking significant measures, including evacuation and closure of public spaces, the safety of residents and visitors remains a top priority. Experts continue to analyze the situation, which could foreseeably lead to further developments in the coming weeks or months.
Original Source: news.sky.com
