Thousands Leave Greek Island of Santorini as Tremors Rattle Region

Thousands Leave Greek Island of Santorini as Tremors Rattle Region

A series of earthquakes have been shaking the iconic Greek island of Santorini and its surrounding area over the weekend. Over 200 tremors have been recorded between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos.

So far, the strongest earthquake registered a magnitude of 4.6 on Sunday. Greece has issued an alert, as the region braces for what might be an earthquake swarm.

Schools will be closed Monday on the iconic Greek island of Santorini after a series of 200 earthquakes shook the popular tourist destination in recent days.

Authorities have also advised residents to avoid large indoor gatherings and steer clear of multiple ports, including the old port of Fira, just below the island’s capital.

Schools will also be shut in the nearby Aegean islands of Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, authorities said Sunday.

The movement is related to the shifting of tectonic plates in this region of the Mediterranean and not volcanic activity, despite the fact the island is essentially the remnant of a powerful volcanic explosion. Additional precautionary measures are being implemented as well, in the event there is a more robust seismic event.

The tremors recorded by geologists are considered minor or light, but authorities have recommended a number of preventative measures in addition to the school closures, including asking ships to avoid the ports of Ammoudi and Fira.

Big cruise ships often anchor near the Old Port of Fira, with passengers being brought to shore on smaller boats.

Schools were also told to close on the nearby islands of Anafi, Ios and Amorgos.

People were advised to avoid abandoned buildings and travelling on routes where landslides are likely to occur.

While the recent tremors are thought to be unlikely to be a precursor to an eruption, the possibility of a stronger eruption cannot be ruled out.

In the 1990s, the Santorini volcano was designated one of 16 worldwide volcanoes that need to be monitored because of past massive eruptions and proximity to dense population areas. In fact, the eruption of 1600 BC was so massive that it likely contributed to the end of the Minoan civilization.

This ancient eruption, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 7 (on a scale of 8), ejected approximately 78-86 km³ of dense rock equivalent, making it one of the largest volcanic events in human history.

The eruption’s impact on the Minoan civilization was severe, as it destroyed the prosperous Minoan settlement of Akrotiri on Santorini. Volcanic ash covered other Minoan settlements, reaching as far as Crete. Key trade routes were disrupted, and prime agricultural lands were buried under a thick layer of ash.

Recent archaeological evidence also suggests that the tsunami generated by this eruption created a wave over 110 feet high. On Crete, tsunami deposits have been found up to 1/4 of a mile inland.

The tsunami concerns by Greek officials are also warranted. In 1956, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Santorini and other Aegean islands, the largest to ever be recorded in Europe in the 20th century. It was followed by a tsunami 82 feet high.

At least 53 people were killed and more than 100 were injured. 35 percent of the houses collapsed and 45 percent suffered major or minor damage. Almost all public buildings were completely destroyed.

The earthquake struck in the early hours of July 9, 1956, and hit Santorini, Amorgos (the epicenter of the earthquake), Anafi, Astypalea, Ios, Paros, Naxos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos and Lipsi.

A total of 529 houses were destroyed, 1,482 were severely damaged and 1,750 were lightly damaged.

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