Santorini Declares State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Earthquakes
A state of emergency has been declared on the picturesque island of Santorini as intense seismic activity continues to rattle the popular Aegean destination. The emergency status, announced by civil protection authorities, extends until March 1, revealing the escalating concern for both residents and visitors amidst frequent earthquakes and risks of landslides.
On Wednesday night alone, the region experienced six earthquakes measuring over a magnitude of 4 in the sea area surrounding Santorini, followed by a particularly strong tremor of 5.2 magnitude located south of Amorgos, one of the nearby islands. These ongoing tremors are causing many residents to leave, while those who remain are growing increasingly weary and anxious.
Anafi Mayor Iakovos Poussos articulated the strain on local residents, stating, "These continuous tremors are starting to tire us. Especially last night, it was non-stop. People are worried, but the biggest problem is that we're awake all the time." The situation is exacerbated by adverse weather conditions leading to ferry service suspensions, further contributing to a sense of insecurity among those stranded on the islands.
Amorgos Deputy Mayor Stamatis Simos provided some reassurance, noting that the structures on his island are more solid compared to those on Santorini, where buildings precariously sit on shifting volcanic rock and steep cliffs overlooking the caldera. "We are closer to the epicenter, so we shake more, and the rumble is noticeable. So far, people are calm," he reported.
As the seismic activity persists, the authorities are closely monitoring the situation, urging caution among residents and visitors alike. While the beauty of the Aegean Sea and the charm of the islands attract countless tourists, the threat posed by nature serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in such magnificent terrains.
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