Residents, authorities, and scientists in the Cyclades remain on high alert as seismic activity in the region continues to escalate. With over 7,700 earthquakes recorded in just 10 days, concerns are mounting over whether these tremors signal a larger, more destructive event. In response to the ongoing seismic swarm, Santorini has been placed under a state of emergency until March 1st, with emergency response teams conducting building inspections and risk assessments.
Is a Major Earthquake Imminent?
Seismologists closely monitoring the situation are debating whether the current activity is merely a prolonged seismic swarm or a precursor to a larger earthquake. According to experts, there are three primary scenarios:
Continued Swarm: The seismic activity persists at its current rate for several weeks before gradually subsiding.
Moderate Earthquake: A quake ranging between 5.5 and 5.6 on the Richter scale could release built-up energy, reducing the likelihood of a more catastrophic event.
Worst-Case Scenario: A 6.0+ magnitude earthquake could strike, potentially causing significant damage across Santorini, Anafi, and surrounding islands.
“We always prepare for the worst-case scenario,” stated Professor Efthymios Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization. “Our operational response is designed around the possibility of a major event.”
Is the Underwater Volcano Awakening?
Adding to the uncertainty, some scientists suggest that the seismic activity may be linked to volcanic fluids moving beneath the surface. Professor Konstantinos Synolakis, a natural disaster expert, has raised the possibility that this could mark the formation of a new underwater volcano near Anydros, a rare and potentially historic geological event.
“If this hypothesis is correct, we may be witnessing the birth of a new volcano for the first time in recorded history,” he stated. However, he cautioned that while the movement of fluids beneath the surface is concerning, there is no immediate evidence suggesting an impending volcanic eruption.
What Happens Next?
With seismic activity showing no signs of abating, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant. Emergency plans have been activated, and additional monitoring equipment, including tide gauges, is being deployed to track potential changes in sea levels—a critical indicator of both seismic and volcanic events.
Experts estimate that the region may experience several more weeks of tremors before any definitive conclusion can be drawn. Until then, Santorini and the surrounding islands remain under close observation as scientists work to decipher whether this is merely a temporary disturbance or a sign of something far more significant.
