Santorini Shaken by 200 Earthquakes, Closures and Warnings Issued

The stunning Greek island of Santorini, often called Greece’s “Instagram island” for its breathtaking views, is dealing with a major seismic event. Over the past few days, more than 200 earthquakes have shaken the area, prompting officials to take swift action.

Schools across Santorini and nearby islands like Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos will remain closed Monday as a precaution. Authorities are also urging locals to stay away from crowded indoor spaces and avoid certain ports, including the old port of Fira, which sits below the island’s capital.

The most intense quake so far measured 4.6 on the Richter scale, but thankfully, no injuries or major damage have been reported. Santorini is no stranger to tremors, as it lies on several active fault lines. Despite the risk, the island remains a magnet for tourists, drawing over 3.4 million visitors annually—far outnumbering its 20,000 residents.

Known for its crescent-shaped caldera and golden sunsets, Santorini was formed by one of history’s largest volcanic eruptions around 3,600 years ago. While the island is part of the highly active Hellenic Volcanic Arc, experts say the recent quakes are due to tectonic shifts and not volcanic activity.

A similar uptick in seismic activity occurred in 2011 and 2012, but no eruptions followed. Still, officials are keeping a close eye on the situation, with emergency meetings scheduled to assess the risks.

The last major quake on Santorini struck in 1956, causing a massive tsunami and claiming dozens of lives. While the current tremors are much smaller, the island’s officials are taking no chances, prioritizing safety for both residents and visitors.

For now, it’s a reminder of nature’s untamed power, even in one of the world’s most picturesque destinations.

Santorini Shaken by 200 Earthquakes, Closures and Warnings Issued
https://www.99newz.com/posts/santorini-earthquakes-warnings-3967
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99newz.com
Published at
2024-12-16
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