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Greece Braces for Earthquake Threat as Tectonic Activity Rises

Emergency services activated following over 200 tremors in Aegean region near Santorini.

By Niki KitsantonisSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Greece Braces for Earthquake Threat as Tectonic Activity Rises
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

Authorities respond to increased seismic activity as schools close and emergency teams remain on alert.

Greece is on high alert after a series of more than 200 earthquakes have struck the Aegean Sea, particularly around the tourist hotspot of Santorini and nearby Amorgos islands. In response to the heightened seismic activity, schools closed their doors, and emergency services were deployed to ensure public safety. Reports indicate that the tremors began on Sunday and continued into Monday, causing significant concern among residents as they felt quakes every few minutes. According to Gerasimos Papadopoulos, a prominent seismologist, many of these earthquakes were minor; however, some reached magnitudes of 4.5 and above, with readings of 4.7 and 4.9 recorded. He described the event as an “intense pre-seismic sequence,” suggesting that the seismic activity may signal a potential for stronger quakes ahead.Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attending a meeting with EU leaders in Brussels, urged island residents to remain calm and adhere to civil protection guidelines. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage, aside from minor landslides. Greece, situated in a seismically active region with multiple fault lines, experiences earthquakes regularly, but such a series of escalating seismic events is uncommon. Residents and tourists alike are being advised to stay informed and prepared as monitoring and safety measures continue.

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