Greece Declares Emergency on Santorini Amidst Ongoing Earthquakes

Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini due to ongoing undersea earthquakes. Over 10,000 residents and seasonal workers have evacuated the island, with significant seismic activity expected to continue. Ferry and flight services are being enhanced to support departures.

Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini as the island has experienced nearly a week of undersea tremors. More than 10,000 individuals, including residents and seasonal workers, have evacuated due to continuous earthquakes occurring between Santorini and neighboring islands Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios. Ferry and commercial flight services have been increased to facilitate these departures.

Seismologists characterize the current situation as unprecedented, with warnings indicating that the seismic activity could persist for weeks or even months. On Wednesday, the strongest earthquake in the series was recorded, measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale, prompting authorities to issue warnings about elevated landslide risks. Fortunately, experts note that the quakes have caused minimal effects since their epicentres were located in the ocean, leading to minimal damage thus far.

Santorini, a renowned tourist destination in Greece, has recently faced a series of undersea earthquakes prompting widespread concern among the local population and seasonal workers. This geological activity has initiated a mass exodus from the island, highlighting the potential risks associated with living in seismically active regions. Understanding the context of these earthquakes and their implications is crucial for assessing the safety and future of tourism in Santorini.

The declaration of a state of emergency in Santorini underscores the seriousness of the seismic activity affecting the region. With over 10,000 people evacuated and the likelihood of continued tremors, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. While the immediate effects have been limited, the potential for future disruptions remains a concern for residents and tourists alike.

Original Source: www.thetimes.com