Nonstop Earthquakes Cause Mass Exodus from Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece has experienced relentless earthquakes since January 25, leading over 13,000 of its residents to leave the island. The quakes culminated in several significant tremors, causing local authorities to impose safety measures, including the closure of schools. Experts state the situation remains unstable, making predictions about future earthquakes difficult.

The Greek island of Santorini has been experiencing a series of relentless earthquakes since January 25, resulting in over 13,000 of its 15,500 residents vacating the area due to the constant tremors. The typical serenity of February, a low season for tourism, has been disrupted, leaving streets largely empty, save for a few tourists, primarily from Asia.

The earthquakes, which have been occurring almost every few minutes, reached a peak with a magnitude-5.2 quake on a Wednesday. The tremors have been numerous, totalling around 160 that exceeded a magnitude of 4 in the first nine days of February, highlighting a significant increase compared to the previous year’s total of 90 such occurrences, as reported by Vassilis Karastathis, director of the Institute of Geodynamics at the National Observatory of Athens.

The situation on Santorini remains precarious and uncertain, with experts warning that predicting further seismic activity is challenging. Mr. Karastathis mentioned, “There are signs of stabilization, but we need to see a further drop in the frequency of the tremors to be sure,” indicating that while some seismic energy has dissipated, larger quakes cannot be discounted.

In response to the tremors, authorities have implemented safety measures, including the closure of schools and prohibitions on large indoor gatherings. Emergency response teams are present on the island, and evacuation resources are being prepared as a precaution. Psychologists and priests are also assisting residents grappling with anxiety and fear due to the seismic threats.

Santorini is currently grappling with ongoing earthquakes that have caused a mass exodus of its residents. With the seismic activity showing no immediate signs of abating, precautions are being enforced by local authorities to safeguard the population and manage the potential hazards. The island’s future remains uncertain as experts continue to monitor the situation closely, invoking both safety measures and community support.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com