A relentless series of earthquakes has rattled the Greek island of Santorini over the past two weeks, with scientists detecting thousands of tremors, most of them minor. However, experts warn that a larger earthquake could still occur, according to a statement released Tuesday by the University of Athens’ crisis management committee.
The unusual seismic activity, which began in late January, has prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency on the island, a top tourist destination. Rescue teams equipped with drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed, while coast guard and navy vessels remain on standby.
The ongoing tremors have caused widespread concern, leading thousands of residents and tourists to leave the island. Schools on Santorini and nearby islands have been ordered to remain closed this week as a precaution.
To prepare for potential emergencies, additional doctors and paramedics have been sent to Santorini’s hospital, and six disaster medicine teams are on standby. On Tuesday, medical staff conducted an evacuation drill, simulating the removal of patients on stretchers.
“The preparation of our health facilities for natural disasters such as earthquakes is of vital importance,” said Deputy Health Minister Marios Themistokleous during a visit to the hospital.
Scientists are closely monitoring the earthquake swarm occurring between Santorini and Amorgos, near two active volcanoes. The daily tremors, ranging from magnitude 3 to around 5 or slightly higher, have left experts uncertain about what lies ahead. They say the activity could either signal a precursor to a larger quake or continue as a series of smaller tremors for weeks or months.
Since January 26, approximately 12,000 earthquakes with magnitudes above 1 have been recorded, including 109 on Monday alone, according to the University of Athens. Thirteen of Monday’s quakes exceeded magnitude 4, with several more of similar strength occurring on Tuesday. The largest tremor so far, a magnitude 5.2 quake, struck Monday night and was followed two hours later by another measuring 5.0.
“The possibility of a main earthquake following cannot be ruled out,” the committee’s statement warned.
In response, scientists are deploying additional monitoring equipment to track the seismic activity. Seismologists and volcanologists are also meeting with government officials to assess the situation.
While Greece is no stranger to earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active region, the intensity and duration of this earthquake swarm are highly unusual.
Santorini, known for its stunning landscapes and iconic whitewashed buildings, owes its dramatic crescent shape to a massive volcanic eruption in ancient times—one of the largest in human history. Today, millions of tourists flock to the island each year to admire its caldera, the flooded crater left behind by the collapsed volcano.
As the earthquakes continue, authorities and scientists remain on high alert, urging residents and visitors to stay prepared for any developments.
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