Recent earthquakes have been rattling the volcanic island of Santorini in Greece, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures in case of a larger quake. The seismic activity has been ongoing, with earthquakes occurring every few minutes through the night and into Wednesday.
Rescue crews, including a sniffer dog and drones, have been deployed on Santorini as a safety measure. Access to certain coastal areas has been restricted, schools have been closed for the week, and public events have been banned. Schools on other islands in the Cyclades have also been shut down as a precaution.
Thousands of residents and visitors have left Santorini due to the hundreds of earthquakes ranging from magnitude 3 to magnitude 5 that have been recorded since the weekend. Ferry services and commercial airlines have increased their schedules to accommodate the heightened demand, although ferry services were disrupted on Wednesday due to rough weather.
The earthquakes have had their epicenters beneath the seabed between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos. While no injuries or major damage have been reported so far, some limited rockslides and cracks in older buildings have been observed on Santorini.
Greece is located in a seismically active region, and earthquakes are not uncommon. However, the intensity and frequency of the recent earthquakes in Santorini are unusual. Experts are unable to predict earthquakes, and it remains uncertain whether the current seismic activity could lead to a larger quake or if it will continue with smaller or moderate tremors.
Authorities have noted increased volcanic activity within Santorini's caldera but have stated that this is unrelated to the earthquakes. The seismic activity is not expected to trigger the nearby volcanoes. Contingency plans are being put in place for potential power cuts, and backup plans are being coordinated with telecommunication providers in case of network outages in the area.
The Greek Prime Minister is set to attend an emergency meeting to address the situation. The government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in Santorini and the surrounding areas.
