A strong earthquake that would lead to a tsunami could hit the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea, so despite a slight decrease in seismic activity there, it is too early to be complacent, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on ANT1.
Santorini and the neighbouring islands of Anidros and Amorgos have experienced thousands of tremors of varying magnitudes in recent weeks, the strongest of which was a magnitude 5.3 earthquake. Seismologists are predicting the possibility of a strong earthquake of up to magnitude 6 there.
The minister said:
“Scientists cannot give accurate predictions about earthquakes but make estimates based on scientific data, this forces the state to take all necessary preventive measures to protect citizens. There is a possibility of a stronger earthquake in the area, which requires constant vigilance and prior preparation for it. A strong earthquake could cause significant damage or even a tsunami. Residents of Santorini and neighbouring islands should be aware that in case of a strong earthquake they should immediately leave coastal and low-lying areas and move to safer and more elevated places.”
Kikilias also stressed that “in addition to the new port to be built on Santorini, in agreement with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, it has been decided to establish an evacuation port in a safe location on the island, where passenger ships will be able to dock if necessary.”
Volcanic activity near Santorini
The minister said that on Santorini and other islands in the Cyclades archipelago “all operational forces including security and armed forces have been deployed, ships are available nearby for immediate action, additional medical personnel have been brought in and electricians from the country’s electrical system operator company with spare materials to immediately repair damage to the power grid, as well as mobile phone company workers who have special communication vehicles to ensure that citizens are sent pre-positioned on the island.”
The head of the ministry also drew attention to volcanic activity due to the presence of two underwater volcanoes off Santorini – Nea Kameni and Columbo. He said:
“The uniqueness of Santorini lies in the Nea Kameni volcano. It has seen a little bit of activity in the last few months. There is another volcano, Columbo, which has been in a state of constant activity in recent years, monitored by scientists from Greece and abroad. There is also a fault on the path from Santorini to the island of Amorgos that is causing prolonged seismic activity because magma that already exists in the earth’s interior is rising there. According to scientists, the magma there is at a depth of 5 kilometres from the sea bottom.”
The head of the ministry confirmed that a slight deformation of the ground on Santorini and a slight displacement of the entire island has been recorded.
