Santorini Deserted: The Consequences of 10,000 Earthquakes in Two Weeks

Santorini has been largely abandoned following more than 10,000 earthquakes in two weeks, culminating in a 5.3-magnitude quake. This seismic activity has prompted residents and tourists to evacuate as local businesses and schools close. While older locals remain calm, the government is implementing temporary measures to stabilize employment and support the economy during this crisis.

The Greek island of Santorini, once a bustling tourist destination, has recently experienced an extraordinary seismic event, with over 10,000 earthquakes occurring in just two weeks. On Monday, a notable 5.3-magnitude quake marked the strongest tremor felt, alarming locals and visitors alike. The picturesque villages have been transformed into ghost towns as businesses shutter and residents flee, driven by fears of a potential catastrophe.

Since late January, ongoing seismic activity has raised significant concerns among the population. Consequently, shops and schools have closed, leaving many residents evacuated. The state of emergency declared by Greek authorities reflects the seriousness of the situation and the uncertainty about future seismic developments in the region.

As fears escalate, thousands of residents and tourists have left Santorini for the safety of the mainland. Boats and ferries have been summoned to accommodate the influx of individuals seeking refuge. Those who remain, including tourists such as Josephi Liu, express a sense of wonder about the island despite the tremors: “This place is amazing, really beautiful.”

Older residents, while accustomed to seismic activity, express concern over the frequency of quakes in recent weeks. Retired police officer Panagiotis Hatzigeorgiou notes the unusual intensity of the tremors, suggesting that constant quakes every few minutes are troubling. Precautionary measures, including rehearsals for emergency evacuations, have been implemented in local hospitals.

Concerns extend beyond the tremors themselves. Landslides and rockfalls have posed additional hazards on the island’s steep coastal cliffs, raising alarms regarding recent construction projects that may have ignored environmental safety. Professor Dimitris Papanikolaou, a geology expert, criticized prior development decisions, asserting that no construction should occur in these risk-prone areas.

In response to the crisis, the Greek government has initiated temporary support measures for Santorini’s workforce, allowing businesses to suspend employee contracts while preventing layoffs. Employees with suspended contracts will receive compensation to mitigate financial strain. These actions reflect the government’s commitment to safeguard jobs during this critical period.

Santorini, a renowned tourist destination, faces unprecedented challenges due to thousands of earthquakes in a matter of weeks. The resulting exodus of residents and tourists highlights the heightened sense of urgency and concern regarding safety and seismic activity. Government measures aim to stabilize the local economy amidst this crisis, ensuring that employees are supported during the tumultuous period.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk