Hours after authorities proclaimed a state of emergency, several more earthquakes have occurred in the waters surrounding the Greek island of Santorini. With thousands of earthquakes recorded since Sunday, this occurs during a week of high seismic activity. The scenario has left the island in a state of turmoil, as residents prepare for any possibility.
How Severe Were the Earthquakes?
A 4.6-magnitude earthquake was detected in the Mediterranean between the island of Amorgos and Santorini on Thursday night. This was followed by a second tremor, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake, nearly two hours later. Authorities are concerned about the frequency and intensity of the seismic activity, even if these quakes were not as strong as the 5.2 magnitude shock that occurred in the region on Wednesday.
The original jolt on Wednesday, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake, hit waters between Santorini and Amorgos. Authorities have reported no serious casualties or considerable damage despite the size of the shocks. The issue is continuous, with tremors occurring on an almost minute-by-minute basis.
Why Are Locals Leaving?
Residents of Santorini have started night patrols in an effort to stop looting as the earthquakes continue, since they are concerned that criminals may exploit the empty streets. More than 11,000 people have already left the island, including the majority of the indigenous population.
Authorities have warned that the region could endure weeks of seismic instability. Although there have been no reports of injuries, experts are concerned about the situation’s unpredictable nature.
Why Are Locals Leaving?
Residents of Santorini have started night patrols in an effort to stop looting as the earthquakes continue, since they are concerned that criminals may exploit the empty streets. More than 11,000 people have already left the island, including the majority of the indigenous population.
Authorities have warned that the region could endure weeks of seismic instability. Although there have been no reports of injuries, experts are concerned about the situation’s unpredictable nature.
What Does an Emergency Mean?
The island’s state of emergency has been extended by Greek authorities, and it will now remain in effect until March 3. The prospect of a stronger earthquake is one of the many scenarios for which authorities are getting ready. Additionally, several areas of the island have been identified as having a landslide risk.
“The situation is unprecedented,” stated Dr. Athanassios Ganas, the National Observatory of Athens’ research director. “This is something that Greece has never seen in modern times. We are in the thick of a seismic crisis.”
Why Are These Earthquakes Occurring?
The typical pattern of a large initial earthquake followed by aftershocks is not followed by the current earthquakes, according to seismologists. Rather, they are happening in groups, with several earthquakes in a rather limited area. Experts have been perplexed by this peculiar pattern.
Tectonic plate movements, rather than volcanic activity, are thought to be the cause of these earthquakes. Experts say the recent tremors had nothing to do with volcanic eruptions, despite the fact that Santorini is situated on the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a sequence of islands formed by volcanic forces.
Is a Tsunami on the Way?
Because the buildings on Monolithos Beach are so close to the water, island residents have expressed alarm about the potential for a tsunami. Sacks have been positioned along the beach to provide temporary defenses.
To be ready for any eventuality, local officials have been putting in a lot of effort. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is nevertheless upbeat, stating that all preparations have been made and that troops have been sent to Santorini and the other islands.
“We are ready for any eventuality,” Mitsotakis declared. “I ask residents to stay calm and cooperate with the authorities.”
What Does the Island's Future Hold?
The situation is still stressful even though specialists are unable to determine when the current wave of earthquake activity will finish. The likelihood that the earthquake crisis could last for weeks is something that authorities are preparing for. Although they are keeping a careful eye on the region, scientists are unable to predict the location, size, or timing of future earthquakes.
It is obvious that residents and municipal officials alike must be watchful and ready for any situation in the upcoming weeks since Santorini is still under high alert.
