Schools Closed, Flights Added as Seismic Activity Continues

Santorini Shaken by Tremors, Schools Closed, Additional Flights Scheduled

The Greek island of Santorini has been experiencing tremors for four days, prompting the closure of schools and the scheduling of additional flights to help people leave the popular holiday destination.

Since Friday, tremors have been recorded between the volcanic islands of Santorini and Amorgos in the Aegean Sea. This has led authorities to close schools in Santorini and the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi.

On Monday, quakes with magnitudes above 4 rattled Santorini every few minutes. People were advised to stay out of indoor spaces and small ports as a precaution. Disaster response units were deployed to the island.

Experts predict that the seismic activity will continue for weeks. "We estimate it (the activity) will continue for some days and there could be a lengthy seismic sequence," said Efthymios Lekkas, a professor of tectonic geology and disaster management.

Local officials reported that permanent residents were not overly concerned, as they are accustomed to earthquakes. However, some individuals who were on the island for work were leaving.

Aegean Airlines, in response to a request from Greece's Civil Protection Ministry, announced three additional flights to and from Santorini on Monday and Tuesday to facilitate travel for residents and visitors.

Greece is located on multiple fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes. The island of Santorini was formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, which occurred around 1600 BC. The last eruption in the area took place in 1950.

Experts have clarified that recent mild volcanic activity near Santorini is not connected to the current tremors.