ATHENS, Greece — The government of Greece announced a state of emergency for Santorini on Thursday following a series of undersea earthquakes that have been affecting the popular island for nearly a week.
The declaration from the civil protection ministry aims to expedite access to state resources for local authorities. This follows the strongest tremor measured at a magnitude of 5.2, which occurred late Wednesday, and is the highest recorded event since seismic activity began on January 31.
According to government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, various emergency services have already been mobilized to assist the island.
“Fire departments, police forces, coast guard, armed services, and emergency medical teams have promptly reinforced Santorini and nearby islands with extra personnel and specialized tools,” he stated during a press briefing.
Although the earthquake activity has caused minimal damage, it has led to a significant departure of thousands, including residents and seasonal workers, many of whom are evacuating to the Greek mainland by ferry.
Experts have indicated that the seismic occurrences are not linked to any volcanic activity in the Aegean Sea, yet they have not ruled out the possibility that this cluster of earthquakes could escalate to more severe tremors.
Vassilis K. Karastathis, a seismologist and research director at the National Observatory of Athens, indicated that there is currently no evidence suggesting a reduction in the quake patterns.
“We are not in a position to confirm that the sequence is moving towards a conclusion,” he explained. “We find ourselves still in the midst of this situation without any signs of easing.”
The epicenters of the earthquakes are predominantly located within a growing cluster surrounding Santorini and neighboring islands like Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios. Experts note that the underwater nature of the seismic events serves as a mitigating factor, significantly lowering the risk of extensive destruction that usually accompanies land-based quakes.
In response to the situation, municipal crews on Santorini have cordoned off certain areas in the island’s iconic cliffside towns deemed vulnerable to possible rock slides. Engineers have also been examining school buildings that have remained shuttered over the past week.
The island’s Orthodox community has called upon residents to support one another during this period of “great anxiety.”
Metropolitan Bishop Amphilochios of Thira, Amorgos, and Isles conveyed this message online, emphasizing the importance of community during trying times.
“The island life, which is deeply communal, has instilled in us the importance of standing together through happy and challenging moments,” he expressed.
“Together, we will navigate through this current ordeal, and by God’s grace, we will find strength on our journey toward progress for the welfare of our islands and their cherished inhabitants.”
