Greece Declares Emergency as Santorini Earthquakes Intensify
The seismic swarm on Santorini has left thousands of people displaced, with the island's residents facing an uncertain future as they wait for the earthquakes to subside. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Santorini are in need of support and aid during this challenging time.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Greek island of Santorini on Wednesday, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency as thousands of quakes continue to rock the island, with over 11,000 people evacuating the area due to landslide risks and other potential dangers.
The island has been experiencing an unprecedented seismic swarm since January 27, with epicentres located beneath the seabed between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos. Although experts do not consider a volcanic eruption likely, they cannot rule out the possibility of another significant seismic event. The current earthquakes are unrelated to volcanic activity, but the unusual pattern of "clusters" of quakes has puzzled scientists.
Greek authorities have taken measures to ensure public safety, shutting schools, dispatching rescuers, and advising residents to avoid ports and indoor gatherings. The state of emergency will remain in place until March 3. Police and military units have been deployed to the island to prepare for a potential major earthquake. While some residents are staying on the island, many have fled due to the risks, with approximately three-quarters of the 15,000 population evacuated.
As the situation on the island remains uncertain, seismologists warn that the biggest quake yet may still be to come. The Greek government and emergency services are working to mitigate the effects of the ongoing seismic activity, and the international community is monitoring the situation closely. The people of Santorini wait anxiously for a resolution to the crisis, hoping that the earthquakes will subside soon.
