Earthquake Swarm in Santorini: Over 7,700 Quakes Since January.
Santorini, Greece, has experienced intensified seismic activity since early February, including a notable 5.0 magnitude earthquake on February 9. Concerns over potential larger earthquakes have led to evacuations and emergency preparations among residents and tourists. Experts, including Vasilis Karastathis and Panagiotis Karydis, continue to monitor the situation closely, analyzing the seismic data and historical precedents for further implications.
Seismic activity around Santorini, Greece, surged significantly on February 9, when a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck 15 km southwest of Arkessini, Amorgos, highlighting concerns from both residents and scientists. This tremor marks the strongest incident since a 5.2 magnitude quake on February 5, prompting fears of larger seismic events.
Vasilis Karastathis, the Director of the Geodynamic Institute, expressed cautious optimism regarding the recent earthquake developments. He noted that there has been a slower rhythm in the seismic activity since the previous day. However, he also acknowledged that the potential for larger earthquakes remains a concern.
The ongoing seismic swarms have created widespread anxiety among residents of Santorini and nearby islands. Many individuals have started to prepare emergency kits, keeping them in their vehicles overnight in case of further seismic events. Continuous tremors have led to evacuations, with many residents and tourists leaving the island in recent weeks.
Professor Panagiotis Karydis, an expert on anti-seismic constructions, emphasized the significance of the earthquake’s epicenter in predicting potential damage. He stated, “An earthquake from the northeastern side of Santorini, at 6 Richter, in my opinion, will create much smaller problems than one at 4.5-5 Richter from the area of the Caldera.”
In response to the seismic activity, experts have intensified their monitoring efforts. Additional seismographs are being installed to enhance data collection, and oceanographic studies are underway to investigate the causes behind the ongoing quakes.
Since the seismic swarm commenced on January 26, an astonishing total of over 7,700 earthquakes have been documented in the Santorini-Amorgos region, with nearly 6,000 of these occurring in the maritime areas surrounding Santorini and its adjoining islands.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos commented on the situation, stating, “We have reached the critical point. We have the first case, if the 5.2 Richter was the main one.” He emphasized the necessity for continued analysis to ascertain if the seismic activity is abating.
The concerns surrounding the Santorini quakes have reached beyond Greece, with reports of heightened tsunami fears in Israel. In response, Israel convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to evaluate the threat level in coordination with relevant government agencies.
Dr. Efraim Laor assessed the tsunami risk, indicating that while a significant tsunami could occur following a major quake, the likelihood of such a wave reaching Israel remains minimal. He stated, “In any case, if an earthquake of more than 6.5 degrees occurs on the island, then there will definitely be a tsunami, but it is not at all certain that it will reach Israel.”
The geological landscape in the region is notably dynamic, characterized by large faults indicative of tectonic activity, according to experts at Terra. Historical events compel further concern as well; for example, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1956 resulted in significant destruction and a tsunami nearly 30 meters high, affecting Santorini, Crete, and other parts of the Eastern Mediterranean.
In summary, the recent increase in seismic activity around Santorini has raised significant concerns for residents and experts alike. Over 7,700 earthquakes have been recorded since January, with fears of a major seismic event persisting. Both local authorities and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, while emergency preparations are underway amid heightened anxiety in Israel about potential tsunami threats. The geological complexities and historical precedents in the area necessitate ongoing vigilance and analysis from scientists.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
