Earthquake Crisis Leaves Santorini Deserted Amid 10,000 Tremors
Santorini faces an unprecedented crisis as over 10,000 earthquakes have prompted the majority of its residents and tourists to flee. The picturesque island, usually bustling with visitors, is now largely deserted following a state of emergency declaration amid fears of more severe seismic activity. Local authorities are taking measures to support the economy and safeguard employment as the community braces for ongoing tremors.
Recent seismic activity has transformed the Greek island of Santorini from a bustling tourist destination into a deserted site, as over 10,000 earthquakes were recorded within two weeks. The island, renowned for its picturesque villages, now struggles with boarded-up businesses and an evacuation of residents due to fears of a potential disaster.
On Monday, the island experienced its strongest tremor at a magnitude of 5.3, further exacerbating anxiety in a region already marked by volcanic activity. Greek authorities have declared a month-long state of emergency amid warnings of a possible prolonged earthquake swarm affecting surrounding Aegean islands.
Many of Santorini’s 11,000 residents and tourists fled to the mainland, leaving behind a stark landscape of empty streets and shuttered establishments. While the island is known for its beauty, the reality of regular tremors has led to a mass exodus, with residents seeking safety elsewhere.
Tourists who remain express mixed feelings; some, like Josephi Liu from Guangzhou, appreciate the unique experience despite warnings of tremors. Older locals do have a familiarity with earthquakes but acknowledge that the frequency and intensity of recent events are out of the ordinary. Panagiotis Hatzigeorgiou, a retired police officer, remarked, “It’s not the same to have earthquakes every two to three minutes.”
In response to the seismic threat, local hospitals have implemented emergency drill protocols and set up outdoor tents to handle possible evacuations. Landslides and rockfalls pose additional risks to infrastructure, raising questions about the safety of buildings constructed on vulnerable volcanic slopes. Dimitris Papanikolaou, a geological expert, criticized past development efforts, stating, “Nothing should have been built in this zone.”
The Greek government has introduced measures to support local employment and businesses, allowing for suspended contracts without layoffs as natural tourism plummets. Those affected will receive state compensation to preserve jobs within the island’s tourism-dependent economy, ensuring some stability amidst the upheaval.
The seismic activity on Santorini has triggered a mass departure of residents and tourists alike, reshaping the island into a ghost town. While the government is taking steps to support the local economy and maintain employment, the future of tourism on the island remains uncertain as fears of further earthquakes persist and safety concerns regarding recent developments come to the forefront. Ultimately, Santorini faces a challenging period marked by natural threats and economic strain, requiring a collective effort from authorities and the community to navigate these unprecedented circumstances.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
