Santorini has experienced a surge in seismic activity, marked by over 7,700 recorded earthquakes since January. A 5.0 magnitude quake on February 9 raised concerns about potential greater tremors. Local residents and experts are monitoring the situation closely, with emergency preparations underway. Geologists highlight significant risks based on historical precedents.
Seismic activity around the Greek island of Santorini has intensified, with a notable 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurring on February 9 at 21:05, located 15 kilometers southwest of Arkessini, Amorgos. This tremor was identified as the strongest since the 5.2 magnitude earthquake recorded on February 5, heightening concerns among residents and experts about the possibility of a more significant seismic event.
Vasilis Karastathis, Director of the Geodynamic Institute, conveyed cautious optimism regarding the recent seismic patterns. “Since the day before yesterday, a better rhythm has started, a slower rhythm in the earthquakes. This has been maintained,” he stated, although he acknowledged that a larger earthquake could still occur.
The increased seismic activity has created unease among the local population, prompting residents of Santorini and adjacent islands, such as Amorgos, to take precautionary measures. Many have begun keeping emergency bags in their vehicles overnight, and there have been mass evacuations, affecting thousands of residents and tourists alike due to ongoing tremors.
Professor Panagiotis Karydis, an expert in Anti-Seismic Constructions, discussed the significance of the earthquake’s epicenter concerning potential damages. “An earthquake from the northeastern side of Santorini, at 6 Richter, in my opinion, will create much smaller problems than one at 4.5-5 Richter from the area of the Caldera,” he argued.
To better assess the situation, experts are continuously monitoring seismic activity, supplementing existing infrastructure with additional seismographs, and initiating oceanographic studies aimed at understanding the causes behind the persistent tremors on the island.
The seismic episode began on January 26, resulting in the detection of over 7,700 earthquakes in the Santorini-Amorgos region, according to reports from Kathimerini. Of these, nearly 6,000 earthquakes were detected in the maritime zone surrounding Santorini and its neighboring islands.
Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos provided an analysis of the seismic activity sequence, stating, “We have reached the critical point. We have the first case, if the 5.2 Richter was the main one.” He further emphasized the need for ongoing analysis to ascertain if the activity is diminishing.
The seismic unrest in Santorini has raised alarms beyond Greece, particularly in Israel, where fears of a potential tsunami have prompted an emergency meeting of their National Security Council. The Deputy Head assessed the threat level in conjunction with various government agencies.
Dr. Efraim Laor commented on the tsunami risks, explaining that while a tsunami could hypothetically occur from an earthquake exceeding 6.5 degrees, the likelihood of it reaching Israel is minimal. “In any case, if an earthquake of more than 6.5 degrees occurs on the island, then there will definitely be a tsunami, but it is not at all certain that it will reach Israel,” he clarified.
The geological features between Santorini and Amorgos are complex, marked by considerable tectonic activity due to large faults slicing through the Earth’s crust. Historical precedents contribute to ongoing concerns; in 1956, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake resulted in widespread destruction across Santorini, Crete, and other Eastern Mediterranean regions, with a tsunami nearly 30 meters high following the quake.
In summary, the seismic activity around Santorini has become a matter of significant concern, with thousands of earthquakes recorded since January. Experts continue to closely monitor the situation, and the potential for a larger seismic event cannot be ruled out. Residents are taking precautions, and neighboring regions, such as Israel, are preparing for possible repercussions. Historical data underscores the vulnerability of the area to catastrophic seismic events.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
