About 9,000 locals have already fled the popular tourist destination, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures amidst concerns over structural safety.
**Tremors Shake Santorini: Thousands Evacuate Amid Ongoing Earthquake Activity**
**Tremors Shake Santorini: Thousands Evacuate Amid Ongoing Earthquake Activity**
In a dramatic turn of events, Santorini faces mass evacuations following over 300 earthquakes, as experts warn residents of potential ongoing seismic activity for weeks.
As Santorini grapples with an unprecedented wave of seismic disturbances, approximately 9,000 residents have evacuated since Sunday, responding to a series of over 300 recorded earthquakes in just 48 hours. Emergency flights and ferries have been mobilized to assist those fleeing, marking a rare surge of local departures during this typically quiet tourist month of February.
The Aegean Sea, northeast of Santorini, has experienced numerous tremors, including a notable quake reaching a magnitude of 5. The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for calm, advising locals that while still concerning, current tremors are classified as minor by seismologists. Schools have been shuttered as families opt to sleep in cars rather than risk being indoors with the possibility of structural damage.
Immediate impacts suggest a significant alteration to island life, as residents anticipate ongoing tremors. "Everything is closed. No-one works now. The whole island has emptied," remarked one young local before boarding a ferry. Emergency measures initiated include warnings against large gatherings and evacuation from certain areas deemed unsafe due to risks like landslides.
Despite the ongoing seismic activity, officials caution that better preparedness can mitigate potential damage. Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos has emphasized the need for patience in facing the geological circumstances, asserting that plans for emergency shelters and food supplies are ready should larger earthquakes manifest.
Amidst heightened worries, the government and emergency services continue monitoring the situation closely, with a gathering scheduled to discuss further measures. While scientists remain watchful over the earthquake-prone Hellenic Volcanic Arc that includes Santorini, predicting specific earthquakes remains elusive. Public safety hinges on reducing vulnerability through proactive measures including construction of earthquake-resistant structures.
As the island faces uncertainty, locals and officials alike are united in their resolve to weather this geological storm as effectively as possible, awaiting developments from scientists and emergency services.
The Aegean Sea, northeast of Santorini, has experienced numerous tremors, including a notable quake reaching a magnitude of 5. The Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for calm, advising locals that while still concerning, current tremors are classified as minor by seismologists. Schools have been shuttered as families opt to sleep in cars rather than risk being indoors with the possibility of structural damage.
Immediate impacts suggest a significant alteration to island life, as residents anticipate ongoing tremors. "Everything is closed. No-one works now. The whole island has emptied," remarked one young local before boarding a ferry. Emergency measures initiated include warnings against large gatherings and evacuation from certain areas deemed unsafe due to risks like landslides.
Despite the ongoing seismic activity, officials caution that better preparedness can mitigate potential damage. Santorini Mayor Nikos Zorzos has emphasized the need for patience in facing the geological circumstances, asserting that plans for emergency shelters and food supplies are ready should larger earthquakes manifest.
Amidst heightened worries, the government and emergency services continue monitoring the situation closely, with a gathering scheduled to discuss further measures. While scientists remain watchful over the earthquake-prone Hellenic Volcanic Arc that includes Santorini, predicting specific earthquakes remains elusive. Public safety hinges on reducing vulnerability through proactive measures including construction of earthquake-resistant structures.
As the island faces uncertainty, locals and officials alike are united in their resolve to weather this geological storm as effectively as possible, awaiting developments from scientists and emergency services.
