03.02.2025 10:16
In the Aegean, more than 400 earthquakes have occurred in the last 6 days, prompting an extraordinary meeting in Greece led by Mitsotakis due to the increasing seismic activity. A "red code" emergency has been declared on Santorini Island in anticipation of a possible volcanic eruption, while tsunami warnings are being issued for the Greek islands. Meanwhile, the rumblings that precede the earthquakes are causing great fear among the public.
Over 400 earthquakes have occurred in the Aegean Sea in the last 6 days, causing great panic in the region. In Greece, an extraordinary meeting was held on Sunday night under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis due to the increasing seismic activity in the Aegean islands in recent days.
MEASURES AGAINST A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE WERE DISCUSSED
In the meeting led by Prime Minister Mitsotakis, attended by government officials and experts, the seismic activity in the region and the possible measures that could be taken against a potential major earthquake were discussed.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias stated in a press conference after the meeting that the decisions made so far regarding the issue are precautionary and urged citizens to comply with the decisions and imposed restrictions.
SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY CLOSED
The municipality of Amorgos in the Aegean announced that education in the island's nurseries and primary and secondary schools would be suspended for one day on Monday, February 3. All cultural events on the island were canceled, and residents were asked to avoid gathering in enclosed spaces.
According to reports in the Greek press, measures such as suspending education in schools and canceling municipal events have been taken, and a search and rescue team, along with rescue dogs and drones, have been dispatched to Santorini as a precaution.
EMERGENCY DECLARED DUE TO VOLCANIC ERUPTION
Tents have been set up for search and rescue teams on the island. Additionally, pools have been emptied to prevent damage to structures in the event of an earthquake. Furthermore, an emergency has been declared with a "red code" on Santorini Island due to the potential volcanic eruption during the critical summit.
"STAY AWAY FROM THE SEA" WARNING
The Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) stated that the largest earthquake expected to occur is not anticipated to exceed 5.5 on the Richter scale. It was also emphasized that the tsunami risk is low, but citizens are advised to avoid staying close to the sea. The Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization recommended the closure of schools in Santorini and the prevention of mass gatherings in enclosed spaces, and it was announced that schools would remain closed today. Additionally, citizens are advised to avoid entering and exiting Ammoudi ports and the Old Port of Fira for their safety in case of stronger tremors. Special Disaster Medical Services teams, consisting of doctors, rescuers, and ambulances, have been reinforced in Santorini, Amorgos, and Ios islands.
THE LOUD HUM HEARD IS ALARMING
The Mayor of Anafi, Iakovos Rousos, made the following statement after the tremors: "Stay calm. We are a small island, we know each other, we are all together. We are shaken many times during the day, and it is getting stronger every day, but the hardest part is that loud hum before the earthquake, something we heard intensely last night." Rousos stated that when the Amorgos fault caused a major earthquake in 1956, the damage on the island was minimal, and he mentioned that a team from the National Observatory of Athens would go to Anafi and Amorgos to install new seismographs on the islands. The mayor added, "Ours will be placed at the Anafi helicopter pad."
Costas Papazachos, a professor of seismology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and chairman of the Santorini Volcano Study and Monitoring Institute (IMPIS), emphasized that "preventive measures have been taken" and stated, "There is no need to panic. However, it is crucial to adhere very carefully to the measures and instructions, especially regarding crowding."