Experts Monitoring Surge of Earthquakes Around Santorini Amid Local Concerns
Since late January, Santorini has experienced over 7,700 earthquakes, triggering local and international concerns about potential tsunamis and larger seismic events. Experts are closely observing the situation, while residents implement emergency measures in response to the tremors. Historical precedents highlight the region’s seismic risk, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparedness.
Seismic activity near the Greek island of Santorini surged on February 9, highlighted by a recorded 5.0 magnitude earthquake located 15 km southwest of Arkessini, Amorgos. This tremor follows a 5.2 magnitude quake from February 5, raising alarms among residents and experts regarding the likelihood of a more significant seismic event occurring in the area.
Vasilis Karastathis, the Director of the Geodynamic Institute, conveyed cautious optimism about the recent earthquakes, noting a change in frequency. “Since the day before yesterday, a better rhythm has started, a slower rhythm in the earthquakes. This has been maintained,” he stated, while acknowledging that the possibility of a larger quake still exists.
The seismic activity has incited considerable anxiety among the local populace, leading residents of Santorini and nearby islands, such as Amorgos, to prepare emergency measures. Many individuals are reportedly keeping emergency bags in their vehicles at night, amid evacuations involving thousands of residents and tourists from the island.
Panagiotis Karydis, a Professor specializing in Anti-Seismic Constructions, remarked on the impact of the earthquake’s epicenter on potential destruction. “An earthquake from the northeastern side of Santorini, at 6 Richter, in my opinion, will create much smaller problems than one at 4.5-5 Richter from the area of the Caldera,” he explained, underscoring the need for detailed assessments.
Monitoring efforts are underway, with experts implementing additional seismographs for enhanced data collection regarding the seismic events. Oceanographic studies are also anticipated to elucidate the causes behind Santorini’s ongoing tremors, which commenced on January 26, 2023.
Since the onset of these tremors, over 7,700 earthquakes have been recorded in the Santorini-Amorgos region, including nearly 6,000 detecting activity off the shores. Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos characterized the situation as reaching a critical juncture, requiring ongoing evaluation to ascertain trends in seismic activity.
International concerns have arisen, particularly in Israel, which has reacted to the seismic developments by convening an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to evaluate potential tsunami threats.
Dr. Efraim Laor addressed the probabilities of a tsunami impacting Israel, asserting, “In any case, if an earthquake of more than 6.5 degrees occurs on the island, then there will definitely be a tsunami, but it is not at all certain that it will reach Israel.”
The geological features of the area exhibit significant tectonic activity, characterized by substantial faults. Experts note that the region between Santorini and Amorgos remains highly active, underscoring the complexities faced by seismologists in understanding these phenomena.
Historical context amplifies current concerns, recalling a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in 1956 that ravaged Santorini, Crete, and surrounding regions, including a tsunami that reached heights of nearly 30 meters.
In summary, the ongoing swarm of earthquakes around Santorini has raised substantial concerns regarding the potential for more severe seismic events. While experts cautiously monitor the situation, historical precedents and geological complexities warrant careful scrutiny and preparedness from both local and international communities. Future assessments will be critical in determining the evolving nature of this seismic activity.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
