Santorini, Greece, is experiencing a crisis due to incessant earthquakes, with over 13,000 of its 15,500 residents evacuated. The earthquakes peaked at a magnitude-5.2, with numerous tremors ongoing since January 25. Authorities have shut down schools, restricted access to certain areas, and provided psychological support to residents facing anxiety during this uncertain time.
Santorini, a renowned Greek island, has been rocked by a series of earthquakes that have left it largely desolate. Since January 25, residents have been unnerved by thousands of tremors occurring at alarming frequency, prompting over 13,000 of the island’s 15,500 inhabitants to evacuate. As of mid-February, the once bustling streets are mostly abandoned, save for a few tourists, primarily from Asia, who remain on the island despite the ongoing seismic activity.
The seismic unrest peaked with a notable magnitude-5.2 earthquake northeast of Santorini, which followed a smaller quake felt in Athens. Geodynamics expert Vassilis Karastathis reported that approximately 160 tremors with a magnitude of over 4 have occurred in February alone, significantly higher than the prior year’s total. He cautioned that despite some signs of stabilization, predicting future seismic events remains highly uncertain.
In response to the persistent quakes, local authorities have implemented safety measures including the closure of schools, prohibiting large indoor gatherings, and deploying emergency services to manage the crisis. Certain areas of the island have been restricted due to potential landslides, while sandbags have been placed adjacent to coastal residences to mitigate flood risks. Psychological support is being provided, and community leaders are facilitating prayers for relief from the tremors.
While the subject of seismic activity is complex, experts continue to monitor the situation closely. Although significant energy release suggests some stabilization, experts like Karastathis emphasize the necessity for reduced quake frequency before risks can be deemed manageable. The island’s future remains bleak and uncertain, as residents grapple with the reality of ongoing tremors and potential for further quakes.
In summary, Santorini faces a critical situation due to incessant seismic activity that has prompted widespread evacuation and safety measures. With a marked increase in tremors since late January and limited predictive capabilities regarding future seismic occurrences, experts maintain a cautious stance. Local authorities are actively addressing safety concerns while providing psychological support to the affected residents, who are left anxious amid an uncertain recovery journey.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
