After a series of earthquakes on the Greek island of Santorini, a particularly large tremor is now expected. Rescue services are on full alert.
In recent days, the island and its surroundings have been shaken over 200 times, and there is no sign of easing - experts note that the tremors are increasing, and their strength is between 3 and 4.9. This is a sign that the big earthquake has not yet occurred, seismologists told Greek media.
Yesterday, the epicenter of the 4.9 magnitude earthquake was between Santorini and the nearby island of Anafi, as reported by the Geodynamics Institute.
Locals leave the island
"We are facing a very intense geological phenomenon," said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He urged the islanders to remain calm and follow the instructions of the Disaster Prevention and Control Service.
Meanwhile, thousands have left the island, which has a population of 16,000. Ferry and plane tickets are being snapped up, airlines have launched emergency flights, and additional ferries are planned. "I haven't slept for days, children and women are crying, the ground is shaking every five minutes", said a man from Santorini, quoted by ARD.
Protective measures are being taken constantly
Santorini residents are receiving messages on their mobile phones about the dangers of falling rocks. Authorities have banned access to some parts of the coast, including the island's old port. Schools in Santorini, as well as on the neighboring islands of Amorgos, Anafi and Ios, are closed.
Rescue teams arrived in Santorini on Sunday and set up tents next to the island's largest hospital. The state-owned electricity company has delivered generators that can provide electricity in case of need. Athens is holding regular crisis meetings with seismologists and ministers, with authorities insisting that these are only precautionary measures.
Scientists are also concerned that the ongoing tremors could activate the large Columbo volcano, which lies underwater northeast of the island.