A series of earthquakes near Santorini, Greece, has prompted the authorities to take significant precautionary measures, including the closure of schools, the deployment of rescue teams with sniffer dogs, and guidance for residents, which notably includes advising them to drain their swimming pools.
Although seismic experts have stated that the over 200 tremors that have occurred since early Friday do not correlate with the volcanic activity of Santorini—known for one of the most significant eruptions in recorded history—the local community remains anxious.
The most significant earthquake recorded has been a magnitude of 4.6, which struck at 3:55 p.m. on Sunday at a depth of 14 kilometers (approximately 9 miles), according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute. Following this, several further tremors above magnitude 4 and numerous others above magnitude 3 were detected; however, thankfully, there have not been any reports of injuries or damage.
Experts from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, together with fire service officials, have been convening daily to evaluate the situation. They agreed to close schools on Monday in Santorini as well as in nearby islands such as Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios.
After consultations on Sunday, the officials also suggested that residents and hotel operators in Santorini should empty their swimming pools to mitigate the risk of water-related instability in buildings in the event of more severe earthquakes.
A meeting was also scheduled on Sunday evening at the Prime Minister’s office, which included the chief of Greece’s armed forces and other relevant officials to further address the situation.
In response to the escalating situation, the fire service dispatched a group of rescuers, complete with sniffer dogs, on Saturday and sent additional personnel on Sunday as a precautionary measure. The rescue teams have made use of open fields for temporary accommodation, setting up tents.
Residents have been cautioned against attending large outdoor gatherings and advised to navigate the islands with care to avoid potential rockfalls, especially as the steep cliffs prevalent on all four islands pose additional risks, notably in the main town of Santorini, which is perched on a cliffside.
Experts have stated that it is difficult to predict whether the ongoing seismic activity will culminate in a stronger quake, although they have indicated that the region holds the potential for a magnitude 6 quake.
There have also been minor earthquakes recorded in Santorini’s underwater volcanic caldera since September, with the largest recorded at a magnitude of 3.8 on January 25. Experts assert that seismic activity in the volcano has diminished since that period.
The significant eruption of the Santorini volcano around 1600 B.C. had catastrophic consequences for the island, leading to the burial of a town and triggering massive earthquakes and flooding that affected not only Santorini but also the island of Crete and areas as far as Egypt. It is estimated that the eruption expelled approximately 41.3 cubic kilometers (9.8 cubic miles) of rock, along with tsunamis towering 9 meters (29 feet) that struck Crete.
In the 1990s, Santorini was classified as one of 16 volcanoes worldwide that require close monitoring due to their history of significant eruptions and their proximity to densely populated regions.
