Ios has become the fourth Cycladic island to be placed under a state of emergency following intense seismic activity in the region. The decision comes after Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi were also placed under emergency status due to ongoing earthquakes.
In Amorgos, landslides have been reported, prompting local authorities to install warning signs for vehicle passage. Starting Monday, the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (EAGME) will conduct risk assessments at various points on the island.
Seismologists to Convene Amid Ongoing Concerns
On Sunday, February 16, at 9:00 a.m., two scientific committees (the Permanent Scientific Committee for Seismic Risk Assessment and the Permanent Scientific Committee for Monitoring the Greek Volcanic Arc of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization of OASP) will meet to analyze the latest data on seismic activity near Anydros island, between Santorini and Amorgos.
The committees are expected to decide whether the emergency measures in place should be extended or modified.
Experts Warn: The Seismic Activity is Not Over
Although seismic activity has shown signs of decline, experts caution against assuming the crisis is over. Some seismologists warn that earthquakes could continue, with the potential for tremors as strong as magnitude 6.
“You may have noticed a reduction in seismic activity over the last 24 hours. Don’t fall for the rushed narrative that this is over,” said seismologist Akis Tselentis. “Even after days of decreased activity, a magnitude 5 quake is still possible.”
Similarly, emeritus professor of Tectonic Geology and Geodynamics, Dimitris Papanikolaou, emphasized that the situation remains unpredictable. “At this moment, we expect this activity to continue, despite fluctuations in magnitude and frequency. We are also monitoring whether this activity could trigger the Anydros fault, which has a potential magnitude of around 6,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the National Observatory of Athens’ Geodynamic Institute anticipates a gradual decline in seismic frequency. Researchers from the University of Athens (EKPA) have traveled to Nea Kameni island (in the Santorini caldera) to repair a seismic monitoring station and install GPS equipment for further observation of the Santorini Caldera.
With experts considering all possible scenarios regarding the link between the volcanic system and ongoing earthquakes, authorities remain on high alert as the seismic situation in the Cyclades unfolds.
