Amorgos Declares State of Emergency as Seismic Activity Persists
Santorini, one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, has been shaken by thousands of earthquakes since late January in what scientists call an "earthquake swarm." This ongoing seismic activity has now prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency on the nearby island of Amorgos as well.
What’s Happening?
The earthquake swarm began at the end of January, with more than 14,000 tremors recorded between January 26 and February 9, according to Athens University. The quakes have continued into February, with over 100 recorded in just one day. Most quakes have ranged in magnitude from 3 to 5, with the strongest reaching 5.2.
An earthquake swarm is a cluster of quakes with no dominant main shock. These swarms can last for days, weeks, or even months, often fluctuating in intensity and unsettling locals with intermittent shaking.
Impact on Santorini and Amorgos
The persistent seismic activity has led most of Santorini's nearly 16,000 residents to leave the island. Authorities have cordoned off certain cliff-top areas to prevent accidents due to potential rockslides. Amorgos, which has fewer than 2,000 permanent residents, is considered less vulnerable due to its rocky terrain and less dense construction compared to Santorini.
Although there have been no reports of major structural damage, minor cracks have appeared in older buildings, and some rockslides have occurred. Authorities are urging residents to avoid indoor gatherings and stay away from cliffs as a precaution.
Why Is This Happening?
The earthquakes are occurring near an undersea fault line between Santorini and Amorgos, unrelated to volcanic activity. Earthquake swarms are often linked to fluid movement within the Earth’s crust rather than a sudden, strong main shock.
Historical Context
The region is part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, which includes the active underwater volcano Kolumbo and the islet volcano Nea Kameni. In 1956, Greece's largest earthquake of the past century struck the area with a magnitude of 7.7, triggering a tsunami that killed over 50 people.
Santorini itself is the remnant of a massive volcanic eruption around 1600 BC, known as the Minoan eruption, which drastically reshaped the island and is believed to have contributed to the collapse of the ancient Minoan civilization.
What’s Next?
Experts are uncertain about how long the earthquake swarm will last, but the head of Greece's earthquake planning authority suggests the activity could continue for weeks at the same intensity. With no immediate signs of volcanic threat, authorities remain focused on monitoring seismic patterns and ensuring public safety.
