Greece Declares State of Emergency Due to Santorini Earthquake Activity
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his hope that the situation on the island of Santorini would be resolved quickly so that it can return to its normal rhythm.
A state of emergency has been declared in Greece on the island of Santorini following a series of earthquakes that led to the evacuation of over 10,000 residents and workers.
Several tremors have been recorded in the Aegean Sea between Santorini and Amorgos this week, with the strongest reaching 5.2 on the Richter scale on Wednesday night.
During a visit to Santorini on Friday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged the public to stay calm and follow the advice of the civil protection service.
The state of emergency, declared by the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry, will be in effect until March 3.
The Greek government has mobilized the army, fire service, and police units to the island while scientists continue to monitor seismic activity in the area.
Mitsotakis reassured the residents of Santorini and neighboring islands that the state is supporting them during this challenging time.
He added, “We hope this situation ends swiftly and Santorini fully resumes its normal rhythm.”
Although the tremors have not caused any major damage or injuries, some buildings on Santorini have developed cracks.
Santorini, formed around 1600 BC by a massive volcanic eruption, last experienced an eruption in 1950.
Unprecedented Seismic Activity
This week’s heightened seismic activity in Greece has been described as unprecedented by scientists, indicating that it could persist for weeks or even months.
Authorities in Santorini issued a warning about the high risk of landslides on parts of the island on Wednesday.
Schools have been closed, and residents have been advised to avoid indoor gatherings.
Santorini, known for its beautiful beaches, white stone villas, boutique hotels, and infinity pools, is a popular summer tourist destination.
In the summer, millions of tourists visit the island, primarily from northern Europe, causing the population to swell.
With the current population of Santorini estimated at 15,000 based on the 2021 census, many residents have left due to the ongoing seismic activity.
The majority of the island’s population has evacuated to the Greek mainland, seeking refuge with relatives or in temporary shelters.
Most schools on other islands in the Cyclades chain have also been closed as a precautionary measure.
Various government agencies and emergency services have been dispatched to Santorini and surrounding islands to provide assistance and prepare for potential power outages or other emergencies.
Construction has been halted, and residents and hotels have been instructed to empty their pools in an effort to reduce stress on the infrastructure.
Contributions to this report were made by The Associated Press and Reuters.
