A series of earthquakes has struck Greece’s volcanic island of Santorini, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers and shut schools on four islands. The quakes, which have magnitudes between 3 and 4.9, are occurring along a 120-kilometer fault line beneath the seabed, but scientists say they do not expect these quakes to trigger a volcanic eruption.
Residents have been warned to avoid indoor gatherings, check escape routes, and drain swimming pools to prevent potential structural damage. The earthquakes are frequent in Greece, but this particular series is unusual due to its intensity and frequency without being preceded by a major quake.
The Greek government has set up a staging area for rescuers near the island’s main hospital, while drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed to monitor the situation. People are advised to stay away from coastal areas and head inland if they feel a significant earthquake.
Greece is prone to earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active region. The country has experienced deadly quakes in the past, but most are minor. Santorini’s unique geography, with steep cliffs and whitewashed houses clinging to the caldera rim, raises concerns about potential rock slides and structural damage.
While scientists say the earthquakes are unlikely to trigger a volcanic eruption, they do not rule out the possibility of smaller quakes or foreshocks in the coming days. Authorities remain on high alert as they try to determine the cause of the series of quakes and assess the risk of further seismic activity.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/santorini-earthquakes-what-to-know-greece-volcano-fd2e719f516dd45542014c0581fe37d7