Santorini Faces Evacuations Amid Rising Earthquake Fears
Fears of a catastrophic earthquake have driven residents and tourists to flee Santorini, one of Greece's most beloved islands, as it experiences a barrage of tremors. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, which has left authorities on heightened alert regarding the potential for a natural disaster. On Monday, Aegean Airlines announced it would double flights from Athens to Santorini over the next two days, with tickets reportedly selling out within moments.
"We're monitoring the situation very closely and will act accordingly after discussions with the ministry of civil protection," an airline spokesperson mentioned.
Ferry services have also increased their operations due to the surge in demand, as individuals rush to escape the uncertainty. Over the past weekend, Santorini experienced more than 200 undersea tremors, particularly between the island and Amorgos, prompting many to sleep outside or in their vehicles due to safety concerns. A distressed Mexican tourist stated, "I cried all night because I was very afraid and didn’t know what to do. We felt that the ground wasn’t at all stable. How can you be calm when the ground is shaking again and again?"
The situation escalated Monday when a powerful earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck at 2:17 PM local time, marking the strongest tremor yet. Reports noted incidents of land and rockslides, intensifying fear among the inhabitants.
Dr. Gerassimos Papadopoulos, a leading seismologist, cautioned that the number of tremors has increased with shifting epicenters, raising concerns about a potential major quake. "All scenarios are open; the risk level has escalated," he highlighted in an online post. Later, he assured that the quakes are tectonic, rather than volcanic, as some had speculated.
As a precaution, Greece's civil protection ministry has ordered the closure of schools in Santorini and neighboring islands such as Ios, Anafi, and Amorgos until Friday. Citizens have been advised to stay clear of abandoned structures and avoid congregating in enclosed areas. Additionally, warnings have been issued to stay away from coastal areas and specific ports due to tsunami risks.
Prof. Manolis Skordylis, another seismologist, stated on public radio, "It appears a seismic fault line has been activated and could cause an earthquake above six on the Richter scale. We haven’t had the main earthquake yet."
In response to the escalating situation, emergency medical teams, special rescue forces, and drone handlers were sent to the island, indicating the seriousness of the crisis. Officials have not dismissed the possibility of military assistance if necessary. In the event of a tsunami, residents are advised to move inland to higher areas, where rescue teams have established a command center, including nearby tent accommodations.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attending an informal EU leaders meeting in Brussels, urged calm among islanders. "We are dealing with a very intense geological phenomenon. I ask that islanders remain calm and listen to the guidance of the civil protection ministry," he reassured the public.
Greece is situated on multiple fault lines and experiences frequent seismic activity. Research has indicated that the seabed surrounding Santorini is a particularly active seismic zone. Memories of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1956, which resulted in a tsunami and considerable loss of life, are still fresh for many locals.
Once a picturesque part of Santorini's landscape, the increasing seismic activity has cast a shadow over the island that welcomed approximately 3.5 million tourists last year. As visitors and residents alike seek safety, the community braces itself for what may lie ahead.
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