Return to normality on Santorini: open schools, weaken earthquakes!

Return to normality on Santorini: open schools, weaken earthquakes!

Santorini, Griechenland - The earthquake series on the Greek island of Santorini has strongly influenced the life of the residents for some time. According to bnn.de , people gradually return, while the schools are open again. The intensity of the earthquakes has decreased significantly; An estimated to occur in every hour average of weak quakes that are hardly noticeable. A current analysis of the geodynamic institute in Athens confirms the tendency to relax in seismic activity.

The seismologist Kostas Papazachos was optimistic about the situation, but emphasized that there could be no complete all -clear. While the schools can now be visited again, it remains to be seen whether the stronger swarms of earthquake actually fail. It is expected that the quakes can continue for months without a large main quake in the region.

tourism concerns and security warnings

The uncertainty regarding seismic activity leads to worries about the upcoming tourism season. Although the first cruise ships have already set sail, many have decided to bypass Santorini and instead head for other travel destinations. The Hotelverband Santorini reports on a massive decline in reservations, with some reports attesting a decline of up to a third compared to the bookings in February 2024

The German Federal Foreign Office also warned against non -necessary trips to Santorini as well as the nearby urine amorgos, Anafi and iOS. These recommendations underline the continued concern about seismic activity in the region.

Greece's seismic activity

Greece is one of the most seismic regions in Europe. As reported laenderdaten.info , the seismic risk from the country's location at the interface of two continental plates - the Aegean and the Eurasian plate. In addition, the African plate penetrates under the Aegean plate at about 1 cm per year, which leads to repeated tensions and earthquakes.

Numerous earthquakes have been registered in the last 14 days, including a particularly strong tremor of the strength 4.4, which occurred near Firá. Historically, Greece has often struggled with earthquakes; Megathrust-earthquake of the strength over 7.0 are rare, but in the past they had devastating effects, such as the 1956 earthquake in the Dodeanes region with 53 fatalities and the triggering tsunami.

The current situation was in the context of a traditionally Sismisch active region, in which earthquakes are common with magnitude of 5.0 or more. The constant monitoring of seismic activities by institutions such as U.S. Geological Survey will be of crucial importance in the future to inform and protect both the population and potential tourists.