Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini due to a series of earthquakes, with a recent magnitude 5.2 quake prompting evacuations and a mobilization of emergency services. Minimal damage has occurred, and significant disruptions to daily life are evident, although the island remains calm and accessible to some tourists.
The Greek government has declared a state of emergency for Santorini, a renowned tourist destination, due to a significant increase in seismic activity. This spike in undersea tremors has persisted for almost a week, culminating in a magnitude 5.2 earthquake on Wednesday, the strongest recorded since the seismic events began on January 31.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Civil Protection announced the emergency measure, facilitating quicker access to government resources to support the island. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis confirmed the mobilization of emergency services, including fire departments, police, coast guard, armed forces, and emergency medical services, with additional personnel dispatched to Santorini and nearby islands.
Although the earthquake swarm has resulted in minimal damage, it has triggered thousands of residents and seasonal workers to evacuate, primarily via ferry to the Greek mainland. The situation has led to the closure of schools across 13 islands, the cancellation of public events, and restrictions on travel to Santorini.
Social media has displayed dramatic footage of dust clouds appearing from landslides on steep ridges, where Santorini’s iconic white-painted towns are situated. A local source reported that Santorini remains “calm,” with residents adhering to advice from local authorities. Fira, the island’s main town, is largely deserted save for a few tour groups that continue to explore the quiet surroundings.
Greece, located at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, is highly susceptible to earthquakes. Santorini itself is historically significant for experiencing one of the largest volcanic eruptions around 1600 BC, though it has not erupted since 1950. Experts clarify that the recent seismic activity does not pertain to any volcanic events in the Aegean Sea.
Santorini, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is part of the Cyclades islands in Greece and is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and active tourism. Positioned near tectonic plate boundaries, it is prone to earthquakes due to the geological activity in the region. The area has a rich volcanic history, with the last significant eruption occurring in 1950, though earthquakes can occur independently of volcanic events. This intelligence is critical for understanding the current situation following the recent series of tremors.
In summary, the state of emergency declared in Santorini responds to a series of undersea earthquakes, leading to necessary evacuation measures and the redeployment of emergency resources. While the situation has prompted notable disruptions to life and tourism, experts maintain that the activity is not linked to volcanic processes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing safety protocols and community support.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
