Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini following increased seismic activity, including a significant 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated, and emergency services have been mobilized. Schools have closed, and public events canceled, although local authorities report calm conditions on the island.
The Greek government has instituted a state of emergency on the prominent tourist destination of Santorini due to increased seismic activity. This follows hundreds of undersea tremors recorded over the past week, culminating in a 5.2 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, the strongest since the seismic events began on January 31. The Ministry of Civil Protection announced that this declaration aims to expedite the response and allocation of state resources to the island.
Emergency services, including fire departments, police, coast guard, armed forces, and emergency medical personnel have been mobilized to Santorini and surrounding areas. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis confirmed this augmentation of resources, highlighting the provision of specialized equipment to assist in overcoming the challenges posed by the earthquakes. Fortunately, while the seismic swarm has led to some minor damages, it has triggered a significant evacuation of residents and seasonal workers to the mainland.
Amidst the turmoil, numerous schools across 13 islands have been closed, public events have been suspended, and travel restrictions have been imposed to ensure safety. Social media footage reveals rising dust clouds from landslides along steep inclines, a concerning sight given the picturesque towns that typically adorn the landscape. A local informant stated that the situation across Santorini remains “calm,” with residents adhering to the authorities’ guidance amidst the difficulties.
Santorini’s main town, Fira, has become quiet and largely deserted, with only a few tourists, primarily from Asia, exploring the area amidst the unusual circumstances. Greece lies at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of Europe’s most active earthquake zones. Santorini itself is historically significant for having experienced one of the largest volcanic eruptions around 1600 BC, with no subsequent eruptions since 1950. Experts maintain that the recent seismic activity is not associated with volcanic events in the Aegean Sea.
Santorini, a well-known tourist destination, is currently facing a state of emergency due to a series of earthquakes and undersea tremors impacting the island. The recent seismic events have escalated concerns among residents and authorities, prompting evacuations and the mobilization of resources to ensure safety and mitigate potential damage.
In summary, the Greek government has declared a state of emergency in Santorini amidst a series of earthquakes, including a notable 5.2 magnitude quake. While the situation has prompted evacuations and school closures, local residents are reportedly remaining calm. Emergency services have been deployed to assist, underscoring the commitment to public safety amidst this seismic activity.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
