Emergency Response Activated in Santorini Following Surge of Earthquakes

Emergency Response Activated in Santorini Following Surge of Earthquakes

In response to increased seismic activity, schools closed, and emergency crews mobilized on the volcanic island of Santorini on Monday. The heightened concern stems from over 200 undersea earthquakes recorded in the region within a three-day span.

Seismic Precautions Across the Aegean Sea

Authorities extended precautions to neighboring islands in the Aegean Sea, renowned summer vacation hotspots. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attending a European meeting in Brussels, emphasized the need for calm. He urged island residents to heed the guidance of Civil Protection officials during these tense times.

Warnings and Measures Implemented

Mobile alerts went out, warning of potential rockslides, as several quakes triggered audible rumblings. To enhance safety, authorities restricted access to some coastal areas, including Santorini’s old port, situated near precarious cliffs.

Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias reassured the public, stating, “These measures are precautionary, and authorities will remain vigilant.” He stressed the importance of following safety recommendations to minimize risks associated with the seismic activity.

Concerns Among Residents and Visitors

Although geologists indicate that the earthquakes — many surpassing a magnitude of 4.5 — do not pose a direct threat from Santorini’s volcano, they acknowledge the unsettling pattern of seismic events.

Community leaders gathered with scientists over the weekend to monitor the situation, resulting in the closure of schools on nearby islands such as Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios.

Frequent quakes throughout Sunday night into Monday heightened anxiety among locals and tourists alike. Michalis Gerontakis, director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, shared his concerns: “I have never felt anything like this — an earthquake every 10 to 20 minutes. Everyone is anxious, even if we try to hide it to avoid panic.”

Performance Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the tremors, the philharmonic performed at a religious event. “When you are playing, you cannot feel the quakes; however, there were earthquakes during our performance at the church,” Gerontakis noted. “Nature’s unpredictability remains our greatest challenge.”

Safety Precautions for tourists

Visitors and residents are advised to steer clear of large indoor gatherings and areas susceptible to landslides. Hotels have been instructed to drain swimming pools to mitigate potential earthquake-induced damage.

A 26-member rescue team arrived on Sunday, setting up a staging area with yellow tents adjacent to the island’s primary hospital. Fire brigadier Ioannis Billias revealed that many locals, including families, sought refuge in their vehicles overnight.

Mixed Reactions to Quake Activity

Local residents responded differently to the situation. Nadia Benomar, a Moroccan tour guide living in Santorini for 19 years, expressed her unease, purchasing a ferry ticket to Naxos for a temporary escape. She stated, “I need to get away for a few days until things calm down. This feels different from previous tremors.”

Conversely, restaurant worker Yiannis Fragiadakis chose to stay despite the dangers, saying, “I plan to remain and hope the restaurant will reopen for the tourist season in three weeks. I wasn’t afraid.” South Korean tourist Soo Jin Kim also decided to maintain her travel plans. Despite experiencing multiple mild shakes and one significant tremor, she remains hopeful.

Tourism and Historical Context

Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Santorini welcomes over 3 million tourists each year. The island is famous for its whitewashed buildings perched on dramatic cliffs, remnants of a catastrophic volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago. This eruption played a crucial role in the decline of the ancient Minoan civilization.

Even though Santorini is an active volcano, the last significant eruption took place in 1950.

Scientific Insights into Seismic Activity

Noted Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos cautioned that the ongoing earthquake sequence observed on live seismic maps — a growing cluster between Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi — could hint at a more substantial seismic event on the horizon. “While these earthquakes are tectonic, not volcanic, the risk level has escalated,” he stated.

In Fira, the main town of Santorini, local officials designated gathering points for residents as a precautionary measure for possible evacuation. Mayor Nikos Zorzos assured the public that preparing for emergencies does not imply inevitability. “Sometimes the reports may exaggerate the risks… we encourage people to stay calm,” he elaborated.

Staying Prepared and Informed

The current situation underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of nature’s unpredictable elements. As Santorini navigates this challenging period, both residents and visitors are reminded to stay informed and prioritise safety.