Emergency on Santorini: Thousands flee from the risk of earthquake!

Emergency on Santorini: Thousands flee from the risk of earthquake!

Santorini, Griechenland - On the Greek island of Santorini, a worrying development has occurred. For two weeks now, the residents and a few remaining tourists have always felt earthquakes, which led to a massive exodus. Over two thirds of the 16,000 inhabitants, especially women, children and the elderly, have already left the island, while only about 1,600 tourists still linger on Santorini. On February 6, the Greek government the Emergency State for 30 days.

In the past few days there have been several strong earthquakes, the strength of which reached a magnitude of 5.3. Experts warn of the possible activation of the volcano northeast of Santorini. In addition, a main quake with a thickness of 6 or more could be imminent. The increased seismic activity has been the highest since 1964 and such conditions can also have landslides and tsunami hazards. Residents are therefore asked to avoid coastal regions and avoid larger crowds.

evacuation measures and emergency aid

The Greek authorities have taken extensive measures to protect the remaining residents and tourists. Collection points for potential evacuations have been set up in the capital Fira. Emergency tents are ready and the Greek earthquake authority has sent additional medical teams and nurses to the island in order to be able to provide immediate help in an emergency. Fire brigade, coast guard and the disaster protection forces are active, supported by strong units of civil service.

Summer camps in Athens were also opened for the evacuated Santorini residents. Many of the people resolved to flee have left their shops and apartments back in order to bring themselves and their families to safety. Mayor Nikos Zorzos was concerned and expected that the seismic activities could continue for several weeks.

travel recommendations and information offers

For the scientific community, the current events are also of great interest. The global seismological broadband network from Geofon, operated by the German GeoForschungszentrum, provides data on earthquakes in real time and thus supports earthquake monitoring. A well -functioning earthquake monitoring system is crucial in order to be able to be informed in good time about dangers, especially in view of the currently high seismic activity on Santorini.