
A travel warning has been issued for popular tourist destinations in Greece due to “seismic activity”.
The UK Foreign Office shared the alert for Santorini and Amorgos and warned travellers about increased earthquake activity. Seismic activity has intensified in the areas, with dozens of small tremors recorded there and the surrounding islands.
An earthquake struck at 12.16pm on Saturday, registering a magnitude of 3.9 on the Richter scale, according to Greek media. The tremor occurred 25 km north-northwest of Anafi, with a focal depth of 15 km.
Aftershocks have been frequent, with minor tremors ranging between 2 and 3 on the Richter scale. Shortly after, another earthquake of 3.1 magnitude was recorded 18 km south-southeast of Arkesini, Amorgos. Earlier on Saturday morning, weak tremors were reported within minutes of each other in Amorgos and Santorini, reports the Express.
The UK Foreign Office said: “The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has issued advice for Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, following increased seismic activity in the area. Schools will remain closed on Monday 3 February 2025.
“People are advised not to attend large indoors gatherings and to avoid old or abandoned buildings. The Greek Ministry advises people to avoid the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira and to choose safe routes when travelling, particularly in areas where the landslide risk is high. In case of a strong tremor, people should immediately depart coastal areas.
“If you are in the affected areas, you should follow the advice of the local authorities. For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, please visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English).”
Santorini Volcano was the site of one of largest volcanic eruptions in human history, which took place in the Bronze Age around 1620 BC, destroying a large part of the island and giving Santorini its current shape.
The eruption is believed to have contributed to the decline of the ancient Minoan civilization which had flourished in the region. Although it is still an active volcano, the last notable eruption occurred in 1950.
Speaking to state broadcaster ERT, seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos assured the public that there is no cause for alarm. He said: “There have indeed been many earthquakes, especially over the past week. Since early January, but particularly this past week, we have recorded over 150 to 200 tremors.
“Only a few have occurred directly on the island of Santorini. Most of them are located northeast, about 10 to 30 kilometers away.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/greece-travel-warning-uk-foreign-30920814