Santorini is facing an unprecedented crisis as over 10,000 earthquakes have rendered the once-vibrant island largely deserted. With significant evacuations and a declared state of emergency, businesses are shuttered, and residents are fleeing. The local government is instituting support measures to stabilize the economy dependent on tourism amidst fears of escalating seismic activity.
Santorini, a Greek island renowned for its picturesque scenery, has experienced a devastating series of earthquakes, resulting in the mass exodus of both tourists and residents. In just two weeks, over 10,000 tremors were recorded, culminating in a significant 5.3-magnitude earthquake that struck late Monday. This unusual seismic activity has led to the isolation of the island, once a bustling tourist destination, now largely deserted due to fears of a more significant disaster.
The ongoing tremors have led to the closure of schools, the boarding up of businesses, and the evacuation of many of the island’s 11,000 residents in a span of just one week. Those who have remained on the island are largely responding to the situation with resilience, attempting to enjoy the unique opportunity to explore a typically crowded Santorini practically alone, despite the uneasy environment.
Residents boarding boats to leave the island were a common sight, as increased ferry and flight services struggled to accommodate the demand for evacuation. Tourists like Josephi Liu, who traveled from Guangzhou, continue to explore Santorini, noting that while aware of the earthquake risks, the beauty of the island remains captivating.
Older residents, accustomed to seismic activity, express a different level of concern. Panagiotis Hatzigeorgiou, a retired police officer, noted that the current frequency and intensity of the earthquakes are unlike what they have experienced before, stressing the importance of remaining calm during the ordeal.
Hospitals on the island have initiated emergency preparedness drills, setting up outdoor tents in their courtyards as precautionary measures. Rockfalls and landslides have posed additional risks, raising alarms about the safety of numerous structures built on the island’s soft volcanic cliffs and underscoring the past negligence regarding environmental safety in development.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Greek government has implemented temporary aid for those employed in Santorini’s tourism sector, including prohibiting layoffs and allowing for contract suspensions until early March. This measure aims to sustain local businesses heavily reliant on tourism despite the current turmoil.
The seismic events affecting Santorini since late January have led to a significant decrease in both resident and tourist presence, creating a deserted atmosphere in this formerly popular destination. With thousands of tremors recorded, the possibility of ongoing seismic activity raises critical concerns regarding safety. The Greek government is responding with temporary support measures, while local communities demonstrate resilience amidst these challenges.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
