Santorini, Greece, has experienced non-stop earthquakes since January 25, prompting over 13,000 of its residents to evacuate. The island has witnessed thousands of tremors, including a significant magnitude-5.2 quake. Authorities have closed schools and restricted gatherings, with emergency services on standby. Experts remain uncertain about the future seismic activity but acknowledge a potential for significant earthquakes.
The picturesque island of Santorini, Greece, has recently become eerily quiet due to a series of relentless earthquakes that have shaken its landscape. From January 25, residents experienced thousands of tremors, with over 13,000 of the island’s 15,500 inhabitants fleeing the area to escape the turmoil. February is typically a quieter tourist season, but the current conditions have made it even more desolate, with only a few visitors, mainly from Asia, seen in the streets.
The seismic activity peaked with a notable magnitude-5.2 earthquake, with additional tremors occurring frequently, including a magnitude-5 quake felt as far away as Athens. According to Vassilis Karastathis, director of the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens, the island recorded 160 tremors exceeding magnitude 4 in just the first nine days of February, compared to 90 for the entirety of the previous year.
The future of Santorini remains uncertain as experts are unable to predict the continuation of the quakes. Signs of stabilization have emerged, yet Karastathis emphasizes the need for a clearer reduction in tremor frequency before assurance can be provided. He noted that while a substantial amount of seismic energy has been released, the possibility of a significant earthquake still looms.
In response to the crisis, local authorities have closed schools and prohibited large indoor events to ensure public safety. Emergency personnel have been deployed, with contingency plans for evacuations in place should the situation escalate. Certain regions within Santorini are now restricted due to the risk of landslides, prompting the establishment of sandbags by coastal properties. Psychologists from the Hellenic Red Cross are offering counsel to anxious residents, with priests conducting prayers for calmer conditions.
The recent earthquakes in Santorini have led to a mass exodus of residents, with over 13,000 fleeing due to continuous tremors. Experts indicate that, while some signs of stabilization are present, a great earthquake cannot be discounted. The local administration has implemented safety measures, including school closures and restrictions on gatherings, while also preparing for potential evacuations. The overall situation on the island remains precarious as authorities work to ensure the safety of remaining residents.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
