Santorini trembles are hit after days more often, which caused the Greek government to announce a state of emergency.
Since Friday, the island has been hit by hundreds of tremors and tremors, including many who have exceeded 4.5 in size.
The latest earthquake between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos. The quake of 5.2 sizes hit on Wednesday, February 5, at 9.09 a.m. local time and followed an earthquake of 4.7 sizes on Thursday morning at 7.50 a.m. On Thursday, more than 57 tremors were recorded between midnight at 6.30 a.m.
The US Geological Survey recorded an even stronger earthquake of 5.3 magnitude on Tuesday, not far from the east coast of Santorini.
Santorini is said to have left more than 11,000 people since the beginning of the tremor. Since it is currently a low season, the majority of the people who evacuate Santorini are residents and workers.
Aegean Airlines has doubled his flights to and from the island since the increase in seismic activities at the request of the Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
What is happening in Santorini?
A series of tremors, many with a size of 4.5 or higher, have been beaten near the Aegean tourist island of Santorini since Friday, January 31.
While there were no reports of victims or damage to buildings at the time of the letter, the Greek authorities advised all schools to close Santorini and the neighboring islands of amorgos, iOS and Anafi. You will be closed by Friday when a decision is made when you can be reopened.
Inhabitants with swimming pools and hotel owners were recommended to let their swimming pools to be drained. This is due to the fact that in the event of a high size with a large amount, large amounts of water may be able to damage or destabilize near buildings.
People were also recommended to avoid large outdoor meetings, penetrate old buildings and to stay away from four small ports on the island, including the popular port city of Fira, in the cruise ships.
Tents were built in an outdoor stadium, and special disaster reaction units were brought to standby time as a precaution. Helicopters are on standby and firefighters who specialize in natural disasters have been sent to the island.
“We estimate that it will take a few days and there could be a lengthy seismic sequence,” said Efthymios Lekkas, professor of tectonic geology and disaster management, on Greek television at the beginning of this week.
Costas Papazachos, professor of geophysics and seismology, said that the worst-case scenario would be an earthquake with 6.0.
“This does not necessarily mean that there will be a strong earthquake, it may well be that the heat energy dissolves and we have a smaller earthquake in Santorini … but we have to take measures,” he said in an interview with the Greek Website protototema.gr.
What does the foreign office say?
The British office from foreign, Commonwealth and Development in Great Britain informed in Greece in Greece on Sunday, February 2.
“The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has given Santorini (Thira), Anafi, iOS and Amorgos after increased seismic activities in the region. People are recommended not to visit major interior meetings and avoid old or abandoned buildings.
“The Greek Ministry advises people to avoid the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Corfos and Old Hafen (Paleossimenas) in the area of Fira and choose safe routes when traveling, especially in areas where the earth’s risk is high.
“In the event of a strong tremor, people should leave immediately on coastal areas.”
Does Santorini have an earthquake history?
Greece is located at the intersection between European and African tectonic plates. As a result, earthquakes and tremors are regular events.
In 1956 an earthquake of 7.7 occurred on the island of Amorgos and caused considerable damage to the island and the neighboring Santorini. Minutes later followed a nomination of 7.2, closer to Santorini. This was the greatest quake in Greece in the 20th century, which led to a 30 -m tsunami and caused the death of 53 people in Amorgos and Santorini, with more than 100 people being injured. More than 500 houses were destroyed in the earthquake, many more badly damaged.
Santorini is a volcanic island that curves around a flooded Caldera. The island, as it was recognized today, was after the Minoian volcanic eruption of 1600 BC. BC, one of the largest in human history. The last time the volcano broke out, was in 1950, although this was relatively small and the chances of another big outbreak in so soon slim. The island only observes a large explosion once every 20,000 years, and the last one was only 3500 years.
How can I remain safe during an earthquake?
The British Foreign Office recommends reading the Council of the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection on how to prepare and secure an earthquake.
The Ministry says that they should cover under stable furniture during an earthquake or reduce their size as far as possible. They recommend moving from large glass surfaces like windows and not going out of the house or on a balcony. When the ministry advises outdoors, advises to move away from buildings or telephone pylons and cover their heads.
Should I cancel my vacation to Santorini?
Santorini welcomes 3.4 million tourists every year and has become a fixed favorite among British vacationers in recent years.
At the time of writing, the foreign office did not issue a formal warning to avoid that they travel to Santorini due to the latest seismic activities. It is impossible to predict whether Santorini could be hit by a stronger tremor, but it is quite possible that there will be more quakes in the coming days.
A hotel on a higher floor in Santorini is a refuge for tourists on the island. Daniel Kerzner from Santorinisky told The Telegraph: “In view of our unique location of 2,000 feet from the Aegean Sea, we are well protected and probably the most protected hotel on the island.
“In addition to our location at the highest point on Santorini, the resort is also built directly in the rocks. As a new building, it is built to withstand such an activity. Residents or tourists on the island who may need support can enjoy the hospitality and comfort that we offer in our Sky Lounge during this time.
“Our team is prepared with additional food, water, amenities and support for everyone who may need it.”
If you have booked a week or two to travel to Santorini and cancel your vacation, you cannot automatically be refunded by your airline or tour operator, as the FCDO has not issued a formal travel warning.
However, if you are nervous to visit and cancel the island, you should contact your vacation company or airline as soon as possible to determine whether you grant flexibility under the circumstances.
Aegean Airlines, for example, offers flexibility. On Monday morning, it was tweeting that all passengers with tickets from and from Santorini can change their flight at no additional cost until February 9, with a new travel date until March 31 or the option for a loan voucher.
With additional reporting by Heidi Fuller-Love.