Santorini Deserted After 10,000 Earthquakes in Two Weeks

Santorini has faced over 10,000 earthquakes recently, leading to mass evacuations and the island being largely deserted. A state of emergency has been declared, with fears of a larger earthquake looming. Tourists have had mixed reactions, and concerns about building safety on unstable volcanic soil have emerged, prompting government support for affected businesses.

The Greek island of Santorini, once bustling with tourists, has experienced over 10,000 earthquakes in recent weeks, leaving it largely deserted. As of Monday, a severe 5.3-magnitude quake struck, heightening fears among residents and visitors. With the small island’s picturesque whitewashed villages now resembling ghost towns, businesses have shut down, and schools are closed due to prolonged seismic activity that has unsettled its 15,000 inhabitants.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency for at least a month, responding to safety concerns. The prime minister of Greece reassured the public that the government’s emergency measures are in place. With the seismic activity, many residents chose to evacuate to the mainland, fearing potential disasters linked to the ongoing tremors in one of Europe’s most seismically active areas.

Tourists who remained, like Josephi Liu from Guangzhou, expressed their admiration for the island, noting the beauty despite the earthquakes. Some residents, particularly the elderly, have a different perspective, remaining unfazed by the frequent quakes. Retired officer Panagiotis Hatzigeorgiou reassured that while the frequency is unusual, staying calm is essential amid the unrest.

Since the possibility of a more serious earthquake looms, hospitals on the island have conducted emergency evacuation drills. Safety measures include organizing medical services outdoors, owing to the increased risk of rock falls and landslides caused by the quakes, leading to damage in certain areas.

The rapid development of Santorini has triggered concerns regarding the stability of existing structures built on volcanic soil. Professor Dimitris Papanikolaou from the University of Athens criticized the construction practices and emphasized that this region should not have allowed such development due to its earthquake-prone nature.

In response to the economic impact on the tourism-dependent local community, the Greek government implemented temporary support measures. These measures allow businesses to suspend employee contracts until March 3, with compensation structures established to ensure job retention and economic stability for those affected by this crisis.

In summary, Santorini is grappling with significant challenges due to an unprecedented swarm of earthquakes that has drastically altered its landscape and impacted its economy. Authorities are actively addressing safety concerns and providing support for the local workforce. As many residents and tourists evacuate amid fears of a larger quake, the future of this iconic destination hangs in the balance. The geological stability of Santorini remains a critical concern, calling for a reassessment of past construction practices.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk