The University of Athens has reported an ongoing decrease in seismic activity near Santorini, approximately one month after a swarm of earthquakes initiated concerns. This series of subaqueous tremors, which at times occurred just minutes apart, incited thousands to evacuate the renowned cliff-top towns of Santorini and surrounding islands such as Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi.
Schools across these islands have been kept closed for four weeks due to safety precautions, and many other restrictions remain intact. However, scientists have expressed optimism about the recent developments concerning the earthquake swarm.
“The level of seismic activity has been consistently declining, both in the daily count of recorded earthquakes and their maximum magnitudes,” stated the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management at the University of Athens. “The activity is still concentrated within the same focal zone, and we have not observed any new micro-seismic surges since February 15,” continued the committee.
Within the period from January 26 to February 22, more than 20,000 earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 1.0 were recorded. These multiple seismic events are believed to result from natural tectonic shifts and magma movements beneath the sea floor. Even though they have reached magnitudes of up to 5.3, the resulting damage has been minor.
Santorini’s Mayor, Nikos Zorzos, mentioned on Monday that several thousand people have returned to the island since the latter part of last week. He urged governmental authorities to extend additional support, particularly concerning risk management measures like rockfall control and the installation and maintenance of protective fencing on hillslopes.
