Greek Authorities Warn of Increased Seismic Activity on Santorini

ATHENS, Feb 2 (Reuters) – Greek authorities have warned of an increase in seismic activity around the Aegean tourist island of Santorini, advising people to take precautionary measures.

More than 200 tremors have been registered since Friday between the volcanic islands of Santorini and Amorgos, prompting the civil protection ministry to issue warnings and guidelines.

Experts monitoring Greece’s volcanic arc have determined that the tremors are not linked with volcanic activity but have recommended safety measures, including school closures on Feb. 3 for Santorini, Amorgos, Ios, and Anafi.

Residents and visitors on Santorini are advised to avoid specific ports, empty pools, refrain from indoor gatherings, and stay vigilant. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired an emergency meeting in Athens, while authorities on Santorini prepared for a potential evacuation.

Tents were set up in an outdoor stadium, emergency response units were put on standby, and measures were taken to ensure the safety of the population in case of a significant earthquake.

Greece, known for its seismic activity due to multiple fault lines, faces the possibility of earthquakes regularly. Professor Costas Papazachos, a geophysics expert assessing the situation, emphasized the need for precautionary measures and highlighted the potential for a strong earthquake measuring 6.0 or higher.

Santorini, a popular tourist destination with its iconic architecture and volcanic history, attracts millions of visitors annually. The island’s formation dates back to one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history around 1600 BC, with the last eruption in the area occurring in 1950.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, it is essential for residents and tourists to follow safety guidelines and stay informed.

(Reporting by Renee Maltezou. Editing by Sharon Singleton and Ros Russell)

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