As earthquakes continue to rattle the Greek island of Santorini, an urgent evacuation is underway. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to leave the Old Port of Fira, a bustling tourist hub, as they respond to the unprecedented seismic activity. Since Sunday, about 9,000 people have departed the island, with emergency flight schedules ramping up in response to the situation.
Reports indicate more than 300 earthquakes have been detected in the last 48 hours, prompting worries from locals as significant tremors have measured as high as a magnitude of 5. Residents are adopting different strategies for safety, with some opting to sleep in their vehicles out of fear of structural damage in their homes.
In the early hours of Tuesday, many queued at the ferry port for transportation to the mainland, as communities brace for further geological instability. According to local media, approximately 6,000 people have vacated Santorini by ferry, while about 2,500-2,700 have flown out during emergency departures drawn up by Aegean Airlines.
Schools on the island are notably closed until Friday, and authorities have urged residents to stay clear of certain areas prone to landslides. Santorini's mayor, Nikos Zorzos, acknowledged that while the island is accustomed to seismic activity, the situation demands a collective approach of “patience and calm.”
The Greek government remains vigilant in managing the ongoing situation, as seismologists evaluate the patterns of the recent tremors. They emphasize that the tectonic shifts responsible for these quakes are distinct from volcanic activity. However, the unique geological setup of Santorini and its surrounding islands, part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, keeps scientists on high alert for potential aftershocks and their implications for local infrastructure.
Reports indicate more than 300 earthquakes have been detected in the last 48 hours, prompting worries from locals as significant tremors have measured as high as a magnitude of 5. Residents are adopting different strategies for safety, with some opting to sleep in their vehicles out of fear of structural damage in their homes.
In the early hours of Tuesday, many queued at the ferry port for transportation to the mainland, as communities brace for further geological instability. According to local media, approximately 6,000 people have vacated Santorini by ferry, while about 2,500-2,700 have flown out during emergency departures drawn up by Aegean Airlines.
Schools on the island are notably closed until Friday, and authorities have urged residents to stay clear of certain areas prone to landslides. Santorini's mayor, Nikos Zorzos, acknowledged that while the island is accustomed to seismic activity, the situation demands a collective approach of “patience and calm.”
The Greek government remains vigilant in managing the ongoing situation, as seismologists evaluate the patterns of the recent tremors. They emphasize that the tectonic shifts responsible for these quakes are distinct from volcanic activity. However, the unique geological setup of Santorini and its surrounding islands, part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, keeps scientists on high alert for potential aftershocks and their implications for local infrastructure.
