ATHENS, Greece — In a move to address the ongoing natural disruptions, the Greek government has declared a state of emergency in Santorini following a series of undersea earthquakes that have rattled the picturesque island for nearly a week. This decision came into effect after a significant 5.2 magnitude quake struck, marking the strongest tremor since the seismic tumult commenced on January 31.
This emergency declaration aims to expedite access to necessary state resources to bolster response efforts. According to Pavlos Marinakis, the government spokesperson, the island has seen reinforcement from various emergency services. He stated, “Fire departments, police, coast guard, armed forces, and emergency medical services have been swiftly deployed to Santorini and neighboring islands, bringing in additional personnel and specialized equipment.”
Despite the relative minimal damage reported thus far, the constant seismic activity has understandably caused alarm among residents and workers, prompting a significant number to flee the island for the safety of the Greek mainland via ferries.
Experts are carefully monitoring the situation, ensuring that the seismic events are not indicators of volcanic activity, despite their location within the Aegean volcanic arc. Vassilis K. Karastathis, from the National Observatory of Athens, cautioned that it remains uncertain if these frequent tremors could precede a more significant seismic event. “We are still in the middle of the road without any signs of regression in the seismic activity,” he noted, emphasizing ongoing vigilance.
The epicenters of these tremors are concentrated beneath the waters near Santorini and surrounding islands such as Anafi, Amorgos, and Ios. Experts highlight that the underwater location generally mitigates the likelihood of widespread destruction, which is a common consequence of earthquakes occurring on land. On Santorini itself, municipal teams have cordoned off potentially dangerous cliff-top areas and inspected school buildings which have remained closed as a precautionary measure.
In the midst of these unsettling times, the island's community spirit remains strong. The Orthodox Church on the island has called on residents to maintain unity and offer assistance to one another during this period of uncertainty. Metropolitan Bishop Amphilochios of Thira, Amorgos, and Isles shared a message of solidarity, encouraging locals to draw on their communal way of life. “This is how we will face the present condition while it lasts,” he affirmed, reminding residents of their collective strength and resilience.
As authorities and geological experts continue to survey the region's seismic activity, the emphasis remains on preparedness and community support, ensuring that the island can swiftly rebound once the earth's unrest subsides.