Scientists have detected thousands of earthquakes near Santorini, Greece, over a span of just two weeks, raising concerns among authorities. Since January 26, approximately 12,000 earthquakes have been recorded, with many ranging from magnitudes of 3 to 5. The severity of the seismic activity has led to an emergency declaration, prompting the deployment of rescuers, drones, and sniffer dogs. Thousands of residents and tourists have evacuated, while schools on Santorini and nearby islands remain closed.
Extra medical personnel and emergency services have been sent to a hospital in Santorini, where teams practiced evacuation drills in preparation for potential disasters. The Deputy Health Minister emphasized the importance of readiness for natural disasters like earthquakes.
Scientists are monitoring the situation closely, noting the possibility that the barrage of earthquakes could either lead to a larger quake or continue as frequent low-magnitude tremors. On Monday alone, 109 earthquakes were reported, including a notable magnitude 5.2 event. Greece is known for its seismic activity, but such a concentrated series of earthquakes over a short time is unusual, especially in a popular tourist destination like Santorini, which is historically shaped by volcanic eruptions.
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