Greece earthquake alerts: Schools closed, flights added to help people leave Santorini island
Authorities in Greece have taken significant measures in response to a series of earthquakes affecting the popular tourist island of Santorini. Since Friday, over 200 tremors have been recorded in the Aegean Sea region between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, with some quakes reaching magnitudes above 4. In light of this ongoing seismic activity, schools on Santorini and neighboring islands, including Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, have been closed as a precautionary measure.
Emergency Measures: Emergency services have been deployed to Santorini, where authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Mobile alerts have warned residents about potential rockslides and advised them to avoid large indoor gatherings and coastal areas.
Flight Arrangements: To facilitate the evacuation of residents and tourists, airlines such as Aegean Airlines have added extra flights between Santorini and Athens. Ferries are also being utilized to transport people off the island.
Government Response: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the public from Brussels, urging calm amidst what he described as a “very intense geological phenomenon.” He reassured citizens that while the earthquakes are concerning, they have not resulted in significant damage or injuries so far.
Public Safety Advisories: The Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued guidelines for residents and visitors. These include securing heavy furniture, avoiding certain coastal areas, and identifying safe spots within buildings in case of an earthquake.
The tremors continue to occur frequently, prompting anxiety among residents and tourists alike. While experts assert that these earthquakes are not directly linked to Santorini’s dormant volcano, they acknowledge that the pattern of seismic activity is unusual and warrants close observation.
