In brief
Thousands flee Santorini as tremors continue to shake the region, sparking concerns and emergency responses.
A significant earthquake measuring 5.2 in magnitude has rocked the waters between the Greek islands of Amorgos and Santorini. This incident follows several days of tremors, prompting safety precautions and a mass exodus of residents and visitors alike. Over 11,000 individuals have vacated Santorini, with approximately 7,000 taking ferries and an additional 4,000 opting for flights to escape the tremors. The powerful earthquake was identified at 21:09 local time (19:09 GMT) and struck at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers.While initial reports indicate no major structural damage on the island, local authorities remain vigilant. The tourism-dependent island typically sees millions of visitors each year, but the current low season means that evacuated individuals are primarily local residents and workers. Schools across Santorini and neighboring islands, including Anafi, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, are set to remain closed until Friday, when officials will reevaluate the situation and make decisions on re-opening. Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's climate and civil protection minister, announced that specialized search-and-rescue teams, equipped with trained dogs and mobile operational units, are being dispatched to the island. Emergency helicopters are also on standby, ready to assist anyone in need of evacuation.Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed concerns during a meeting with civil protection representatives. He expressed confidence in scientific guidance during such crises, affirming that all necessary measures and forces have been mobilized to Santorini and the surrounding islands. He reassured residents to remain calm and cooperate with local authorities during this tumultuous time.Although Santorini is situated within the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, authorities have clarified that the recent seismic activities are attributable to tectonic plate movements, rather than volcanic eruptions. Seismologists note the difficulty in accurately predicting earthquakes, but also highlight geography that designates certain regions as more susceptible to seismic events. With Santorini located close to known fault lines, ongoing surveillance and preparedness remain crucial as the situation develops.
