A 5.2 magnitude earthquake strikes the Greek island of Santorini, prompting evacuations and raising concerns about volcanic activity. Authorities are urging calm and advising residents to avoid populated areas and high-risk zones.
A powerful 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Santorini, Greece , in the early evening hours, following a period of increased seismic activity on the volcanic island. This is the most significant earthquake recorded on Santorini in recent weeks, occurring at a depth of three miles. While no major damages have been reported, authorities are conducting thorough inspections. The earthquake prompted a wave of evacuations, with residents and tourists crowding ferry ports as a precautionary measure.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was attending a European meeting in Brussels, addressed the nation, urging calm and emphasizing the importance of heeding instructions from civil protection authorities. He acknowledged the severity of the geological phenomenon, stating that it's a situation requiring careful handling.Authorities have issued advisories to the public, recommending the avoidance of large indoor gatherings, small ports, and areas prone to rockslides. Protective measures are also being implemented on several nearby Aegean islands, which are popular tourist destinations, after over 200 undersea earthquakes were detected in the past three days. Mobile phone alerts have been continuously sounding across Santorini, warning residents of the potential for rockslides. Experts predict that the seismic activity on the island, which features densely populated areas situated on steep cliffs, will persist for several weeks.The island has been experiencing a series of earthquakes, raising concerns about potential volcanic activity. While scientists confirm an increase in volcanic activity within Santorini's caldera last week, they emphasize that this is unrelated to the current earthquakes. The seismic activity northeast of the island is deemed unlikely to trigger either of the two volcanoes in the vicinity: Nea Kameni, located within Santorini, and Kolumbo, a submerged volcano situated about 5 miles northeast of the island. Santorini's last volcanic eruption occurred in 1950, and experts suggest it might 'let off steam again' in the future, but not in the immediate term.The UK Foreign Office has issued safety recommendations for British citizens traveling to Santorini and three other affected islands, advising against visiting the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos, and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) and urging caution near old buildings. They also recommend avoiding large indoor gatherings. Despite the disruptions, airports remain operational, and most tourists have already departed the island
EARTHQUAKE SANTORINI GREECE VOLCANIC ACTIVITY SAFETY WARNINGS
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