Greece has announced a state of emergency on Santorini in response to a recent surge in seismic activity, culminating in a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Government officials are mobilizing emergency services to assist the island, where many residents have evacuated. Schools are closed, and travel restrictions are in place, although residents are reportedly following safety guidelines. Experts state this seismic activity is not related to volcanic eruptions in the Aegean region.
Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini, a renowned tourist destination, after a significant increase in seismic activity. The tremors began on January 31 and escalated, leading to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake on Wednesday, the strongest in this recent event. This emergency status, announced by the Ministry of Civil Protection, aims to facilitate quicker access to state resources and support for the island.
Government representatives, including spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, have confirmed that emergency services are being deployed to Santorini and adjacent islands. Personnel from fire departments, police, coast guard, armed forces, and emergency medical services have been sent with additional equipment to assist. Despite the earthquake causing minimal damage, there has been a mass exodus of residents and seasonal workers to the Greek mainland, mainly through ferries.
Schools across 13 islands are closed, public events have been canceled, and travel to Santorini has been restricted. Dramatic images circulating on social media depict dust clouds resulting from landslides on the island’s steep terrains. While locals are reported to be adhering to safety protocols, Fira, Santorini’s main town, appears deserted except for a few small tour groups, predominantly from Asia, who are visiting the nearly empty island.
Greece, positioned at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, is highly susceptible to earthquakes. Santorini itself is historically known for a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 1600 BC but has remained volcanically inactive since 1950. Experts have clarified that the ongoing seismic events are not linked to any volcanic activity in the Aegean Sea.
The declaration of a state of emergency on Santorini follows a notable increase in seismic activity, characterized by numerous undersea tremors and culminating in a substantial earthquake. Greece’s geological positioning makes it particularly prone to seismic events, which adds urgency to the government’s response as they mobilize resources and support to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. Santorini’s history of volcanic activity further complicates the situation, although recent experts have differentiated the current seismic activity from volcanic threats.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Santorini due to a surge in earthquakes underscores the need for immediate action to protect residents and tourists. While the situation has led to precautionary measures, such as school closures and travel restrictions, the local populace appears resilient and cooperative in following safety protocols. As emergency services continue their efforts, the island may need ongoing monitoring to ensure safety amidst its seismic unpredictability.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
