Santorini Struggles with Thousands of Earthquakes: Residents…

Santorini has experienced over 10,000 earthquakes in two weeks, leading to most residents evacuating the island. A state of emergency has been declared, and the government is providing financial support for jobs amid the crisis. The seismic activity raises concerns about safety in newly built areas, prompting emergency preparedness efforts.

The Greek island of Santorini, typically bustling with tourists, has become nearly deserted due to over 10,000 earthquakes in the past two weeks. Residents and visitors alike fled the region after a series of tremors escalated, including a significant 5.3-magnitude quake that struck on Monday, raising fears of a larger earthquake event. Shops, schools, and restaurants have closed, while emergency evacuations are being rehearsed in hospitals amid concerns over rock falls and landslides caused by the seismic activity.

This unusual uptick in seismic activity began in late January, leading to a state of emergency declared by Greek authorities. The government has urged citizens to remain calm, assuring that emergency services are fully prepared. However, many of the nearly 11,000 residents who evacuated in the past week chose to leave for the mainland in fear for their safety, leaving only a few tourists behind to enjoy the uniquely quiet surroundings.

While some tourists like Josephi Liu from Guangzhou took the opportunity to enjoy Santorini’s beauty, long-time residents expressed concern about the uncharacteristically frequent quakes. Panagiotis Hatzigeorgiou, a retired police officer, remarked on the unusual intensity of the quakes, noting that even seasoned residents find this round of earthquakes unprecedented. Hospitals have adapted to the crisis by preparing outdoor facilities and conducting emergency drills in anticipation of potential evacuations.

The seismic activity has raised alarm over the safety of recent construction on the island, which has seen a significant uptick in developments despite geological warnings. Dimitris Papanikolaou, a geology professor, criticized the lack of attention paid to safety in the construction boom, stating that building in seismic zones poses substantial dangers as the tremors continue. In response, the Greek government has implemented temporary support measures for workers affected by industry slowdowns, including laying off bans and worker contract suspensions until early March.

The recent seismic events in Santorini have severely impacted the island, causing a mass evacuation of its residents and creating a deserted atmosphere typically filled with visitors. The Greek government is responding with emergency measures to protect jobs and assist the local economy. Concerns regarding safety in newly developed areas highlight the need for ongoing evaluation of construction practices in seismically active regions.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk