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Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini (Thira), a volcanic island in Greece, prompting residents and visitors to leave the island. The repeated tremors, as well as the “Richter dance” have caused concern among residents and visitors to the island. Photos taken on the island show people waiting in line and boarding a ferry to Piraeus, during increased seismic activity in the area.
The majority of them have left with ferries and the rest with flights, regular and extraordinary. As it is reported from various local media, many itineraries have been scheduled on the ships in order for the people to return to Piraeus.
No injuries were reported, but hundreds have fled the island as safety precaution, according to multiple reports after several earthquakes were recorded.
According to existing information from ports and airports, many people have already left the island for various destinations.
Due to the increased seismic activity in the sea area of Anydros, between Thira and Amorgos, the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued a statement urging the people to avoid accessing and staying in the ports of Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfou and the Old Port of Fira. It also noted that there should be an immediate evacuation from the coastal areas in the event of a strong seismic shaking.
The seismic sequence in the sea area of Anydros between Thira and Amorgos is particularly high, with 200 earthquakes since February 1st with a magnitude above 3.0 (and with a maximum recorded magnitude of 4.9), according to a statement from the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection on January 3.
Seismologists and experts are closely monitoring the situation, but opinions differ on what might come next.
“The good scenario that everyone wishes for is an earthquake, which will be considered the main earthquake, of 5.0 to 5.5 in magnitude, that will not give significant damage, in order to defuse the phenomenon,” Professor Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization stressed.
Speaking on the Greek media channel Mega tv, Lekkas stated that the chances of an earthquake exceeding 6.0 on the Richter scale are very small.
“It is possible that an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 will occur, less likely that an earthquake of magnitude 5.5 will occur, and there is a very small chance that an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 will occur. This is the extreme scenario, but I don’t think we will get there.”
Regarding the development of the phenomenon, he stated: “It cannot end in one day, in two days. It can last a few days, a few weeks, but also a few months. (…) We can in no way predict the duration of the phenomenon, we are simply always preparing for the extreme scenario, which has a very small chance of occurring.”
Despite the varying assessments, all experts agree that the situation remains unpredictable. Authorities continue to monitor the seismic activity and urge residents and visitors to stay informed and follow the safety guidelines.
