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Seismic Activity Raises Alarm on Santorini Island
Recent geological disturbances have heightened alarms regarding a potential significant earthquake on Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous islands. As a precautionary response, several residents and tourists have started evacuating the area.
According to the Ministry for Civil Protection, over the past weekend, the Aegean region registered more than 200 seismic events in the vicinity between Santorini and Amorgos. On Monday, tremors were reported to reach magnitudes as high as 4.9 on the Richter scale, primarily in northeastern Santorini.
In response to the situation, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis characterized the sequence of tremors as “a very intense geological phenomenon” and advised residents to “remain calm.” In light of the potential risks, authorities have closed schools and dispatched emergency teams to the island for monitoring and support efforts on Monday.
The situation has also prompted the US Embassy in Greece to issue a natural disaster alert for American citizens. The embassy’s guidance includes avoiding large indoor gatherings and being cautious around older or abandoned structures. Furthermore, it recommends steering clear of specific ports in the area and being mindful of travel routes that may be susceptible to landslides. The embassy also stresses that individuals should vacate coastal areas immediately in the event of a strong tremor.
Greece’s geographical makeup, straddling multiple tectonic plates, subjects it to frequent seismic activity; however, recent data from the University of Athens’ Faulty of Geology shows a notable increase in intensity and frequency of tremors in the Santorini-Amorgos region. Despite this uptick in seismic activity, experts have indicated that the current tremors are not linked to any volcanic movements, as reported by the Associated Press.
As a direct consequence of these seismic events, various locals and vacationers are departing from the island. Many have opted for alternative transport methods, including ferries and flights, leading to increased demand for travel out of Santorini. Airlines such as Aegean Airlines and SKY Express have responded by adding extra flights to Athens, although availability is limited with tickets selling out rapidly.
US citizens residing in or visiting the affected locations are urged to adhere closely to local authorities’ directives and stay informed through local media. The embassy has offered resources for earthquake preparedness, including an official safety guide from the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
The Greek authorities have emphasized the need for calm and have cautioned against succumbing to panic among crowds.
Source
www.cntraveler.com