Locals on the Greek tourist island of Santorini are fleeing amidst concerns of a potential powerful earthquake, with emergency crews being deployed and schools being closed. The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning urging people to be cautious and follow local instructions, as more than 200 undersea earthquakes have been recorded in the area over the past three days. The spike in seismic activity has also led to precautions being taken on other nearby Aegean Sea islands, popular summer holiday destinations.
The civil protection minister, Vasilis Kikilias, emphasized the precautionary nature of the measures being implemented, urging citizens to adhere strictly to safety recommendations to mitigate risks. While Greek experts believe the earthquakes are not linked to Santorini’s volcano, the frequency and magnitude of the tremors have raised concerns among residents. The director of the Santorini Philharmonic Orchestra, Michalis Gerontakis, expressed the anxiety that many on the island are feeling, with earthquakes occurring every 10 to 20 minutes, a frequency that has never been experienced before.
The government officials in Athens have held emergency meetings with scientists to assess the situation, resulting in the closure of schools on nearby islands such as Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios. Residents and visitors on Santorini have been advised to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas prone to rock slides, with hotels instructed to drain swimming pools to minimize potential damage from an earthquake. Fire service rescuers have set up staging areas on the island, while some locals seek to leave for safer locations.
Despite the concerns, some residents like Nadia Benomar, a tour guide living on Santorini for 19 years, have decided to evacuate to nearby islands until the situation calms down, feeling that the current seismic activity differs from what has been experienced before. Others, like restaurant worker Yiannis Fragiadakis, choose to stay despite the risks, highlighting the varying responses to the developing situation. The prospect of a larger impending earthquake has been advised by prominent Greek seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing seismic events.
In preparation for a potential evacuation, local authorities in Santorini have designated gathering points and urged residents to remain calm, as Mayor Nikos Zorzos stressed the importance of readiness without causing undue alarm. The unique geology and history of Santorini, a premier tourism destination attracting millions of visitors annually, add complexity to the situation. While the current measures are precautionary, the evolving seismic activity serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural events and the need for preparedness in vulnerable areas like Santorini.