ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A series of earthquakes are currently shaking Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, leading authorities to send rescuers equipped with tents, a search dog, and drones, as well as to close schools on four islands. Residents are advised to avoid indoor gatherings, check escape routes, steer clear of cliffs, and empty swimming pools to minimize potential damage to buildings in case of a major earthquake. Greece is situated in a region prone to frequent seismic activity, with most earthquakes causing minimal harm, but the country has also experienced deadly quakes. While earthquakes cannot be predicted, precautionary measures are being taken by authorities.
Santorini, a popular tourist destination in Greece, acquired its distinctive crescent shape from a massive volcanic eruption in ancient times. Millions of tourists visit each year to witness its stunning scenery of white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches perched on the cliff overlooking the flooded caldera. Recent observations by scientists have noted increased volcanic activity within the caldera, although this is not linked to the ongoing earthquakes.
Details of the current situation include approximately 200 earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 3 to 4.9 recorded between Saturday and Monday afternoon near Santorini and the neighboring island of Amorgos. Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos stated on Greece’s ERT television that seismic activity commenced on Jan. 24 but escalated on Saturday in terms of frequency and intensity. The fault line responsible for the earthquakes spans about 120 kilometers (75 miles), with the southern portion between Santorini and Amorgos being the active area. The epicenters of the earthquakes are situated beneath the seabed, approximately 30-40 kilometers (18-25 miles) from any of the islands, which is considered a positive aspect as land-based epicenters could be more destructive. However, there is a possibility of a tsunami being triggered by a large quake, prompting authorities to caution against coastal areas and recommend moving inland during significant tremors.
While no damage or injuries have been reported thus far, some minor rock slides have occurred. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to assess the likelihood of a volcanic eruption being triggered by the earthquakes. Santorini is situated along the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, and while sensors detected mild seismic-volcanic activity within the caldera last week, experts suggest that the current seismic events are unrelated to the island’s volcanoes. The recent meeting between government officials and scientists revealed that seismic activity within Santorini’s caldera remains at low levels, albeit notably increased between Santorini and Amorgos.
Scientists are investigating whether the ongoing earthquakes could be precursors to a larger quake. Papadopoulos indicated a high probability of this scenario. The main settlements on Santorini are built along
Perched on the edge of the volcano’s caldera, Santorini boasts breathtaking views of cascading whitewashed houses and sunset vistas that draw in tourists. However, the island’s precarious location also poses risks, particularly in the event of a major earthquake, with sheer cliffs making certain areas susceptible to rock slides.
To mitigate these dangers, authorities have taken proactive measures. A team of rescuers, equipped with a sniffer dog and drones, was dispatched to Santorini to establish a staging area near the main hospital. Push alerts were sent out to warn residents and visitors to steer clear of at-risk zones prone to rock slides and to restrict access to vulnerable coastal areas. Additionally, residents and hotels were instructed to empty swimming pools as a precaution against building destabilization from water movements during a quake. People were advised to steer clear of older structures and to plan escape routes in densely populated areas.
As a further safety precaution, schools on Santorini and nearby islands like Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios were closed for the week.
The current seismic activity in the region has historical significance, as the fault line responsible was the source of Greece’s most powerful earthquake in the past century, the 1956 Amorgos earthquake. This catastrophic event, measuring 7.7 magnitude, triggered a devastating tsunami that wreaked havoc on Amorgos and Santorini, claiming over 50 lives.
Santorini’s tumultuous geological past also includes the Minoan eruption around 1,600 B.C., one of the largest volcanic events in human history. This cataclysmic event reshaped the island, leading to the distinctive crescent shape seen today and is believed to have played a role in the downfall of the ancient Minoan civilization. Despite being an active volcano, the last significant eruption occurred in 1950.
Seismologist Efthymios Lekkas, who heads the scientific monitoring committee for the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, reassured the public by explaining that the Santorini volcano typically experiences major eruptions every 20,000 years, with the last one occurring 3,000 years ago. This timeline suggests that a significant volcanic event is unlikely in the near future.