Greek authorities have declared a state of emergency on the tourist-heavy island of Santorini following a series of earthquakes, including one measured at 5.2 magnitude. More than 11,000 people have evacuated the area, with reports indicating continuing seismic activity.
State of Emergency Declared on Santorini Amid Continuing Earthquakes
State of Emergency Declared on Santorini Amid Continuing Earthquakes
Emergency measures activated on Santorini after consecutive earthquakes raise concerns over safety and potential volcanic activity.
Evacuations and emergency protocols have surged in response to a series of earthquakes on the island of Santorini, Greece. A significant 5.2 magnitude quake was recorded Wednesday evening, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency that will last until March 3. The tremors, which are believed to be linked to tectonic movements rather than volcanic activity, raised fears among the local population and tourists.
Ground reports indicate that over 11,000 people have already left the island, facilitated by emergency ferry and flight arrangements. An additional 4.7 magnitude tremor struck south-west of Amorgos island on Thursday morning, following a string of smaller quakes. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit Santorini on Friday to assess the situation firsthand.
While there are no significant structural damages reported, authorities are taking precautions. The state of emergency facilitates immediate repair work on public services, bypassing typical bureaucratic delays. Emergency services have mobilized, with enhanced medical teams, police, and military personnel deployed to aid those remaining on the island.
As a precaution against potential tsunamis, makeshift defenses have been erected along coastal areas. Schools on Santorini and surrounding islands are closed, and the government has urged residents to remain calm. The Hellenic Volcanic Arc, where Santorini is situated, has a history of seismic activity, but recent quakes are attributed to tectonic shifts rather than volcanic eruptions. The island's residents are anxiously awaiting updates while authorities prepare for further potential activities.
Ground reports indicate that over 11,000 people have already left the island, facilitated by emergency ferry and flight arrangements. An additional 4.7 magnitude tremor struck south-west of Amorgos island on Thursday morning, following a string of smaller quakes. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit Santorini on Friday to assess the situation firsthand.
While there are no significant structural damages reported, authorities are taking precautions. The state of emergency facilitates immediate repair work on public services, bypassing typical bureaucratic delays. Emergency services have mobilized, with enhanced medical teams, police, and military personnel deployed to aid those remaining on the island.
As a precaution against potential tsunamis, makeshift defenses have been erected along coastal areas. Schools on Santorini and surrounding islands are closed, and the government has urged residents to remain calm. The Hellenic Volcanic Arc, where Santorini is situated, has a history of seismic activity, but recent quakes are attributed to tectonic shifts rather than volcanic eruptions. The island's residents are anxiously awaiting updates while authorities prepare for further potential activities.
