Greece Issues State of Emergency for Santorini Amid Increased Seismic Activity
Greece has declared a state of emergency for Santorini due to increased seismic activity, highlighted by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake. Emergency services have been deployed as thousands evacuate to the mainland. Schools have closed and public events canceled amid safety concerns, though local sources indicate a calm atmosphere on the island.
The Greek government has declared a state of emergency for Santorini, a beloved tourist destination, after a significant increase in seismic activity. The island experienced hundreds of undersea tremors leading up to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake, the most powerful since the tremors began on January 31. To address the situation, the Ministry of Civil Protection announced this emergency measure, enabling quicker access to resources and support.
In response to the seismic events, emergency services have been mobilized to assist Santorini and nearby islands. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated that personnel from various departments, including fire services, police, the coast guard, and armed forces, have been deployed with specialized equipment to ensure safety. Although the earthquake swarm has caused little damage, many residents and seasonal workers have evacuated to the mainland by ferry.
Schools across 13 islands have closed, public events have been canceled, and travel restrictions have been put in place. Social media footage showed dust rising from landslides on steep hillsides, highlighting the geological instability in the region. Encouragingly, a local source described the atmosphere on Santorini as calm, with residents adhering to safety recommendations from authorities.
Fira, Santorini’s main town, is notably quiet, aside from scant tour groups taking the opportunity to explore the island without crowds. Greece, noted for its seismic predisposition due to its location between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, is one of Europe’s most earthquake-affected countries. In history, Santorini is remembered for a monumental volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, yet it has not seen volcanic activity since 1950. Current expert assessments indicate that the ongoing seismic activity does not relate to volcanic concerns in the Aegean Sea.
Greece is situated at the convergence of two tectonic plates, making it particularly vulnerable to seismic events. Santorini, known for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance, has a past marked by significant volcanic eruptions, with the last recorded eruption occurring in 1950. The recent increase in earthquake activity on the island has raised concerns, necessitating government intervention to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike, demonstrating the ongoing geological risks facing the region.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Santorini underscores the serious nature of the recent seismic activities affecting the island. The swift mobilization of emergency services aims to protect the inhabitants and tourists alike, while the situation remains monitored. Residents are advised to remain cautious and adhere to safety measures provided by authorities as they face ongoing aftershocks and potential geological instability.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
