Santorini has declared a state of emergency due to a recent powerful earthquake, leading to significant evacuations. Over 11,000 people have fled the island amid ongoing tremors. Israel is preparing for possible tsunami threats as a precaution against potential aftershocks in the Mediterranean.
The Greek island of Santorini, a renowned tourist destination, has declared a state of emergency following a powerful 5.2 magnitude earthquake recorded on Wednesday. The island has since experienced continuous tremors, disrupting the daily lives of its residents and tourists. The Greek Civil Protection Ministry has announced that the state of emergency will remain in effect until March 3.
Following the earthquakes, which include a series of seven tremors exceeding 4.0 magnitude, approximately 11,000 individuals have evacuated the island via air, as ferry services are suspended due to inclement weather. Santorini, which attracts millions of visitors annually, boasts a population of about 20,000 residents.
Seismologists are closely monitoring the situation; the Athens Geodynamic Institute reported over 6,000 tremors since January 26 in the Aegean Sea. Researchers, including the institute’s research director, Athanassios Ganas, have indicated that while the intensity of the tremors is diminishing, it has yet to stabilize. Vassilis Karastathis, the deputy director, emphasized that the situation remains precarious.
In a related concern, Israel’s National Security Council has initiated preparations for a potential tsunami as a precautionary measure. The council noted that despite being 900 kilometers away from the earthquake source, there exists a significant risk of a tsunami affecting Israel’s extensive Mediterranean coastline. Authorities have been instructed to ready emergency responses for any imminent tsunami threat.
The earthquakes in Santorini are a significant geological event, as the island is located within a seismically active region. The frequency and intensity of the tremors captured the attention of scientists, who are studying their implications. Greece is known for its earthquakes, and the government has enacted emergency measures to ensure the safety of residents and tourists alike. Simultaneously, Israel’s proactive response to potential tsunami risks illustrates the interconnected nature of seismic events across regions, particularly in the Mediterranean.
In summary, Santorini’s declaration of a state of emergency highlights the serious implications of the recent seismic activities on the island. The Greek government is actively managing the situation as thousands evacuate in response to the earthquakes. Concurrently, Israel’s preparation for a potential tsunami emphasizes the broader impact of geological phenomena in the region. Continued monitoring and caution are essential as the situation evolves.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
