Schools on the Greek island of Santorini remained closed on Monday, with additional flights arranged to assist people departing due to ongoing tremors. The seismic activity between Santorini and Amorgos in the Aegean Sea has prompted closures in nearby islands like Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi.
Throughout Monday, Santorini was rattled by quakes exceeding a magnitude of 4, occurring every few minutes. Residents were advised to avoid indoor spaces and small ports, with disaster response units mobilized as a precaution.
Experts anticipate the seismic activity, especially concerning given Santorini's cliffside settlements, to persist for weeks. Professor Efthymios Lekkas, part of the ground assessment team, stated, We estimate it will continue for some days and there could be a lengthy seismic sequence.
While permanent residents are accustomed to earthquakes, some island workers are opting to leave. Aegean Airlines announced three additional flights to and from Santorini on Monday and Tuesday, following a request from Greece's Civil Protection Ministry to facilitate smooth travel for both residents and visitors during this period of uncertainty.
Greece, located on fault lines, frequently experiences seismic events due to its geological dynamics. Santorini was formed by a significant volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, with the last eruption in the area dating back to 1950.
Despite mild volcanic activity near Santorini in recent days, experts confirmed it is unrelated to the ongoing seismic events.