Santorini earthquakes see thousands evacuated from Greek holiday hotspot

Santorini earthquakes see thousands evacuated from Greek holiday hotspot

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece has been hit by more earthquakes today (Tuesday, February 4), prompting a wave of evacuations.

The island of Santorini, known for its whitewashed buildings and rugged landscape shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, has been hit by increased seismic activity in recent days, with thousands fleeing the area by ferry and emergency flights scheduled to take people to safety.

The biggest earthquake on Tuesday afternoon measured at a 5.3 magnitude, with hundreds of quakes registered every few minutes in the Aegean sea between Santorini and its neighbouring islands of Anafi, Ios and Amorgos. The activity has prompted Greek authorities to shut schools on the islands, while hotels have been instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce potential building damage.

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The UK Foreign Office has informed tourists that the Greek Ministry has advised against travel to the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port in the area of Fira, the capital of Santorini, due to the risk of landslides. It adds: “In case of a strong tremor, people should immediately depart coastal areas.”

While there has been no significant damage or injuries so far, the South Aegean Regional Fire Department has been placed on alert and rescue teams have been dispatched, with crews standing watch by large yellow medical tents on the island, the BBC reports. People have also been told to avoid old buildings or large gatherings and check for exit routes when in built-up areas.

Santorini’s mayor, Nikos Zorzos, said the island was prepared for seismic activity that “may last many weeks”. However, despite the island being part of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc which is home to dozens of volcanic hotspots, Greek authorities have assured that the tremors are related to tectonic plate movements rather than volcanic activity, with the last notable eruption in Santorini having taken place in 1950.

View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/santorini-earthquakes-see-thousands-evacuated-30933763

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