Earthquakes near Greek island of Santorini worry experts, residents

More than 200 undersea earthquakes have been recorded near the Aegean Sea islands, popular summer vacation destinations, over the past three days. Local authorities are taking precautions, including deploying emergency crews, banning access to some seaside areas near cliffs, and instructing hotels to drain swimming pools.

Greek experts have stated that the earthquakes are not linked to Santorini’s volcano, which was the source of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history more than 3,500 years ago. Despite this, schools were closed and emergency crews were deployed on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini on Monday after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.

Precautions were also ordered on several nearby Aegean Sea islands, all popular summer vacation destinations, after more than 200 undersea earthquakes were recorded in the area over the past three days.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged islanders to remain calm and listen to the instructions of the Civil Protection authority. The frequency of the quakes, many with magnitudes over 4.5, has raised concerns among residents and visitors.

Authorities have banned access to some seaside areas, including the island’s old port, that are in close proximity to cliffs. Hotels have been instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce potential building damage from an earthquake.

While Greek experts have stated that the quakes are not linked to Santorini’s volcano, they acknowledge that the pattern of seismic activity is cause for concern. Government officials have met with scientists to assess the situation, and schools were ordered shut on nearby islands.

Residents and visitors have been advised to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas where rock slides could occur. Fire service rescuers have set up tents as a staging area inside a basketball court next to the island’s main hospital.

Some residents and local workers have sought to leave the island, while others have chosen to stay despite the earthquakes. Tourists have expressed mixed feelings, with some deciding to leave while others remain unfazed.

Santorini is a premier tourism destination known for its whitewashed villages built along dramatic cliffs formed by a massive volcanic eruption more than 3,500 years ago. While the island is still an active volcano, the last notable eruption occurred in 1950.

Prominent Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos has cautioned that the current earthquake sequence could indicate a larger impending event. While the risk level has escalated, local authorities are preparing for a potential evacuation but emphasize the preventive nature of the measures.

In Santorini’s main town of Fira, designated gathering points have been established for residents in preparation for a potential evacuation. Mayor Nikos Zorzos has urged people to stay calm and assured them that being prepared does not necessarily mean an event will occur.