Alert Fatigue in Santorini: Residents Grapple with Ongoing Tremors
Alert fatigue defines the experience of Santorini residents as they contend with continuous seismic activity and media speculation about disasters. Most experts suggest that while significant tremors may occur, they will not reach the magnitude of past quakes. Local adaptations emerge, as community members find solace in familiar news sources amidst declining populations and concerns over future tourism.
Residents of Santorini are experiencing alert fatigue due to ongoing seismic activity. The continuous tremors have left the few remaining inhabitants weary of living in a state of emergency and fed up with media speculation about potential disasters, including fears of a major earthquake or volcanic eruption like the one that occurred around 1600 BC.
Despite the possibility of a significant tremor, earthquake specialists believe it will not compare to the 7.7 magnitude quake that struck in 1956. Most experts agree that a volcanic eruption in the coming millennia is unlikely, yet some seismologists persist in issuing alarming predictions, contributing to local anxiety.
Local residents, like Vassilis Tsatsanidis, prefer to consume news from local outlets such as Volcano TV, which they deem more credible than national media. Tsatsanidis’s children continue their education remotely, with diminished class sizes due to many families relocating off the island amidst fears.
The outflow of over 10,000 people has included many skilled professionals, leading to halted renovations of structures built on the island’s precarious cliffs. With uncertainties looming over future construction and questions about the upcoming tourist season, local authorities struggle to maintain stability on the island.
Seismologist Kostas Papazachos observes that the psychological impact of tremors on residents is similar to that during the COVID-19 pandemic, often resulting in panic attacks. Nevertheless, locals have adapted by casually guessing the strength of each quake, showcasing their resilience amidst the uncertainty.
In conclusion, Santorini’s residents face considerable mental strain due to persistent tremors and the frequency of alarming media reports. While experts assert that a catastrophic event is unlikely, public anxiety remains high, driven by local messaging and a significant loss of community. The situation is compounded by the diminishing population and uncertainties regarding the future viability of the island as a tourist destination.
Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com
