Authorities assure residents and tourists that they are prepared for any emergency measures following the quake.
Evacuation and Precautionary Measures on Santorini as Earthquake Strikes
Evacuation and Precautionary Measures on Santorini as Earthquake Strikes
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake rattles Santorini after a series of tremors, prompting mass evacuations.
On the evening of Wednesday, a strong 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near the Greek islands of Amorgos and Santorini, escalating fears after a sequence of tremors that had rattled the region for several days. The tremor, which occurred at approximately 21:09 local time (19:09 GMT) and was measured at a depth of about 5 kilometers, prompted over 11,000 individuals to flee the island. Of these, around 7,000 opted for ferry transport while 4,000 took to the skies in airplanes, seeking safety from the seismic activity.
Although significant damage has not yet been reported, local authorities have implemented precautionary evacuation measures to ensure public safety. As Santorini is a major tourist destination, the current low season means that most of those evacuating are local residents and workers rather than holidaymakers.
In response to the crisis, all schools on Santorini, as well as on neighboring islands including Anafi, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, will remain closed until Friday, at which point authorities will reassess the situation. Greece's climate and civil protection minister, Vassilis Kikilias, announced the dispatch of specialized firefighting units and search-and-rescue teams to the island, equipped with canine support and mobile operations units.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with civil protection experts earlier in the day, expressing confidence in the state's preparedness for potential crises. “We trust science and the experts,” he said while announcing the preparedness for all eventualities. Mitsotakis also reassured residents through a message emphasizing calmness and cooperation with authorities during this unsettling time.
Geologically speaking, Santorini is part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, an area known for its active tectonic movement, though the last significant volcanic eruption occurred in the 1950s. Recent tremors have been attributed to tectonic rather than volcanic activity, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with living near fault lines.
While scientists have made strides in understanding earthquake patterns, the ability to predict these natural events remains elusive, adhering to the unpredictable nature of tectonic movements. With vigilance and adequate response plans in place, authorities continue to monitor the situation, hoping for a swift return to normalcy for the island.
Although significant damage has not yet been reported, local authorities have implemented precautionary evacuation measures to ensure public safety. As Santorini is a major tourist destination, the current low season means that most of those evacuating are local residents and workers rather than holidaymakers.
In response to the crisis, all schools on Santorini, as well as on neighboring islands including Anafi, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, will remain closed until Friday, at which point authorities will reassess the situation. Greece's climate and civil protection minister, Vassilis Kikilias, announced the dispatch of specialized firefighting units and search-and-rescue teams to the island, equipped with canine support and mobile operations units.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with civil protection experts earlier in the day, expressing confidence in the state's preparedness for potential crises. “We trust science and the experts,” he said while announcing the preparedness for all eventualities. Mitsotakis also reassured residents through a message emphasizing calmness and cooperation with authorities during this unsettling time.
Geologically speaking, Santorini is part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, an area known for its active tectonic movement, though the last significant volcanic eruption occurred in the 1950s. Recent tremors have been attributed to tectonic rather than volcanic activity, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with living near fault lines.
While scientists have made strides in understanding earthquake patterns, the ability to predict these natural events remains elusive, adhering to the unpredictable nature of tectonic movements. With vigilance and adequate response plans in place, authorities continue to monitor the situation, hoping for a swift return to normalcy for the island.
