An ongoing series of earthquakes has been rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to strengthen emergency plans. Hundreds of seismic events, ranging from magnitude 3 to 5, have occurred over recent days, alarming residents and visitors. Finance Minister Vasilis Kikilimirius emphasized the need for preparedness during an emergency meeting in Athens, acknowledging that while predicting earthquakes is impossible, they must anticipate various scenarios. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged calm among residents.
Rescue teams equipped with sniffer dogs and drones have been deployed, and access to certain coastal areas has been restricted. Public events in Santorini have been banned, and many residents and tourists have evacuated the island due to fears of further seismic activity. Travel services, including ferries and flights, have been adjusted to meet increased demand, though ferry operations were disrupted by severe weather.
Despite recent tremors and cracks appearing in some older buildings, no major damage or injuries have been reported. Scientists have noted an uptick in volcanic activity in Santorini’s caldera but do not believe it directly correlates with the current earthquakes. The Greek government is working closely with utility and telecom companies to ensure preparedness for any emergencies.
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