Santorini Declares State of Emergency Amid Earthquake Crisis;…

Santorini has declared a state of emergency due to significant earthquakes, with over 11,000 people evacuating the island amidst rising seismic activity. The Greek Civil Protection Ministry has issued an emergency status until March 3. Concurrently, Israel is preparing for potential tsunami threats as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing situation in Santorini.

The Greek island of Santorini has declared a state of emergency following a series of strong earthquakes, with the most significant registering a magnitude of 5.2. The Geodynamic Institute in Athens reported seven tremors exceeding 4.0 in magnitude early on Thursday, prompting the Greek Civil Protection Ministry to extend the emergency status until March 3. Hundreds have evacuated the island, resulting in approximately 11,000 departures as ferries remain grounded due to severe winds.

Santorini, renowned for its beauty and visited by over 3.4 million tourists annually, has seen its seismic activity lead to widespread concern among residents and authorities. While the intensity of earthquakes appears to be decreasing, experts remain cautious, unable to predict when the tremors will cease. The institute has noted over 6,000 seismic disturbances in the Aegean Sea since late January, surrounding several islands including Santorini and nearby Amorgos.

In response to the escalating situation in Greece, Israel’s National Security Council is urging preparedness for potential tsunami threats. Given the history of tsunamis affecting the Israeli coastline, authorities are taking proactive measures and conducting emergency discussions. Considering the proximity—approximately 900 kilometers from the earthquake zone—the estimated warning time for a possible tsunami wave could be within two hours, warranting immediate attention from emergency services in Israel.

The declaration of a state of emergency in Santorini follows unprecedented seismic activity that has alarmed both residents and tourists. As a popular tourist destination with around 20,000 inhabitants and millions of annual visitors, the impact of the earthquake series is profound. Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry is actively managing the crisis amidst increasing geological instability, while Israel prepares for possible ramifications along its coastline.

The ongoing seismic events in Santorini have led to a state of emergency, with thousands fleeing the island as authorities mobilize to address the situation. Experts are monitoring the conditions closely but cannot determine when stability will return. Concurrently, Israel is on alert for possible tsunami threats due to the seismic disturbances occurring in the region, emphasizing the interconnectedness of geological events across borders.

Original Source: www.wionews.com