Santorini has declared a state of emergency due to a significant earthquake series, leading to over 11,000 evacuations. The Athens Geodynamic Institute cautions that while tremor intensity is decreasing, stabilization has not yet occurred. Meanwhile, Israel is on alert for potential tsunami threats from the seismic activity in Greece, preparing emergency responses accordingly.
Greece’s Santorini island has declared a state of emergency following a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on February 5, which was part of a series of seismic events including seven jolts exceeding 4.0 magnitude. The Greek Civil Protection Ministry established the emergency period until March 3, impacting the lives of both locals and tourists. This announcement coincides with a mass evacuation, as over 11,000 individuals have left the island due to disrupted ferry services caused by high winds.
Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, as over 6,000 tremors have been noted in the region since January 26. Athanassios Ganas, research director at the Athens Geodynamic Institute, indicated that though seismic intensity seems to be decreasing, it has not stabilized yet. Vassilis Karastathis, the institute’s deputy director, asserts that the island is currently at a critical juncture during this ongoing seismic episode.
In light of the earthquake and potential tsunami threats, Israel has instructed its emergency services to prepare for possible tsunami waves. The distance from Santorini to Israel is approximately 900 kilometers, allowing a possible two-hour warning for a tsunami’s approach. Given the historical context of tsunamis hitting the Israeli coast, the government is taking proactive measures to mitigate risks effectively.
The recent seismic activities near Santorini, one of Greece’s most visited islands, have raised alarms not only for local residents but also for neighboring regions, including Israel. The occurrence of multiple earthquakes in a short period has prompted a state of emergency, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters in tourist-heavy areas. This situation necessitates a coordinated response from both local authorities and international agencies to ensure safety and preparedness.
The ongoing seismic activities around Santorini have compelled Greek authorities to declare a state of emergency and streamline evacuation processes for affected individuals. The tsunami warnings issued for Israel indicate heightened regional vigilance due to the interconnected nature of seismic events in the Mediterranean. Continuous monitoring by geological experts will be critical in managing potential hazards in the area.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
