Seismic Activity Near Santorini Leads to Precautionary Measures

Authorities near the Greek island of Santorini have taken immediate action in response to a significant number of earthquakes that have rattled the area since early Friday. The National Geological Institute has recorded over 200 tremors, with the most significant being a magnitude 4.6 quake on Sunday at a depth of 14 kilometers. In light of this seismic activity, schools on Santorini, as well as nearby islands such as Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios, are closed for safety reasons.

Officials from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection met daily to monitor the situation and recently advised locals and hotel proprietors to drain swimming pools. This measure aims to prevent potential building destabilization should stronger earthquakes occur. Rescue teams, including sniffer dogs, were dispatched as a precautionary measure, and the Greek armed forces are also involved in ongoing discussions about the response plan.

Residents are encouraged to avoid large public gatherings and remain cautious of possible rockfalls, especially since the islands are characterized by steep cliffs. Although experts indicate it is impossible to predict if this sequence of tremors could escalate, they acknowledge the potential for a quake reaching a 6-magnitude level. Notably, the area has experienced minor seismic activity in the volcano caldera, with the last significant event being a magnitude 3.8 quake earlier in the year.

Historically, the Santorini volcano is known for its devastating eruption around 1600 B.C., which not only obliterated the island town but also caused major earthquakes and tsunamis affecting distant regions, including Crete and Egypt. Due to its past eruptions and the proximity to populated areas, the Santorini volcano has been closely monitored since the 1990s, recognized as one of the world's critical volcanoes.