ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A series of peculiar seismic activities has struck the volcanic island of Santorini in Greece, as reported by the crisis management committee of the University of Athens on Tuesday. Over the span of just over two weeks, scientists have recorded several thousand earthquakes, with the majority being of small magnitudes. The committee warned that a larger earthquake cannot be discounted.
The unprecedented surge of earthquakes, beginning in late January, has raised concerns among authorities. In response, a state of emergency has been declared on Santorini, a renowned tourist destination in Greece. Rescue teams equipped with drones and a sniffer dog have been dispatched, while coast guard and navy vessels are on standby. Thousands of residents and tourists have evacuated the island, and schools on Santorini and neighboring islands have been ordered to remain closed for the week.
Additional medical personnel have been deployed to Santorini’s hospital, and six disaster medicine teams are on standby as a precaution. A practice evacuation drill was conducted on Tuesday, with medical staff simulating the evacuation process by wheeling out stretchers carrying individuals posing as patients.
“The preparedness of our healthcare facilities for natural disasters such as earthquakes is crucial,” remarked Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistokleous during his visit to the hospital.
Scientists are meticulously monitoring the ongoing earthquake swarm between Santorini and Amorgos islands, in addition to the two volcanoes in the vicinity. The frequency of daily quakes, ranging from magnitudes of 3 to approximately 5 or slightly higher, has left experts uncertain whether these tremors are a precursor to a major earthquake or if they will persist with frequent minor quakes for an extended period.
Since January 26, around 12,000 earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 1 have been recorded, with 109 occurring on Monday alone, according to the crisis management committee of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Thirteen of Monday’s quakes registered magnitudes greater than 4, and several more with similar strengths were felt on Tuesday. The most powerful quake thus far, with a magnitude of 5.2, struck on Monday night, followed by another of magnitude 5 approximately two hours later.
“The likelihood of a significant earthquake subsequent to these tremors cannot be ruled out,” the committee noted.
On Tuesday, scientists are reinforcing their monitoring efforts by deploying additional surveillance equipment in the area. Seismologists and volcanologists are scheduled to meet with government officials later in the day for routine discussions on the evolving situation.
While Greece is situated in a seismically active region and earthquakes are common occurrences, it is exceedingly rare for any part of the country to endure such an intense series of earthquakes over an extended period. The distinctive crescent shape of Santorini originated from a colossal volcanic eruption in ancient times — one of the most massive eruptions recorded in human history. Today, millions of visitors marvel at its breathtaking
