Santorini Under State of Emergency Following Earthquakes; Israel…

The Greek island of Santorini declared a state of emergency after a 5.2 magnitude earthquake, prompting significant evacuations. Over 11,000 people have left the island amid ongoing tremors, with the Athens Geodynamic Institute recording thousands of aftershocks. Concurrently, Israel is preparing for potential tsunami threats due to the seismic activity in the Aegean Sea.

On February 6, the Greek island of Santorini declared a state of emergency following a significant earthquake of 5.2 magnitude, which struck on the evening of February 5. Continuous tremors have disrupted daily life, prompting the Athens Geodynamic Institute to register numerous aftershocks, including seven exceeding magnitude 4.0 in the early hours of Thursday. The emergency declaration is set to last until March 3, as officials assess the ongoing seismic activity.

The tremors have led to the evacuation of approximately 11,000 individuals from Santorini, with flights being the primary means of departure due to unsafe ferry conditions resulting from high winds. Santorini, a major tourist destination, typically hosts about 3.4 million visitors annually, alongside 20,000 permanent residents. Experts have expressed concern over the unpredictability of the seismic events, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance.

Since January 26, over 6,000 tremors have been recorded in the Aegean Sea, impacting nearby islands such as Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios. Director of Research at the Athens Geodynamic Institute, Athanassios Ganas, noted that while the quake’s intensity is declining, stability has yet to be achieved. Vassilis Karastathis, Deputy Director, suggested that the current situation represents a formative stage in the seismic pattern.

In light of the situation in Greece, Israel’s National Security Council has advised preparation for potential tsunami threats on its Mediterranean coast. Historical precedents of tsunamis affecting Israel raise concerns about possible waves resulting from the Santorini earthquake. Authorities have warned of an estimated two-hour window to prepare for such events, further heightening the urgency for emergency measures.

The seismic activity on Santorini has garnered attention due to the island’s popularity and the potential impact on its tourism-dependent economy. Traditionally, Santorini experiences millions of visitors each year, yet the recent earthquakes pose significant risks to both residents and tourists. As experts monitor the situation, the unpredictability of earthquakes in the region necessitates heightened vigilance and preparedness for any subsequent emergencies, including potential tsunami threats arising from seismic events in the Aegean Sea.

The declaration of a state of emergency on Santorini reflects the gravity of the situation following a series of substantial earthquakes. With thousands forced to evacuate and ongoing uncertainties surrounding seismic activity, government and emergency services are mobilizing to safeguard residents and visitors. Meanwhile, Israel prepares for potential tsunamis, acknowledging the historical implications of seismic waves traveling across the Mediterranean. Continuous updates and vigilance are essential as the situation evolves.

Original Source: www.wionews.com