Greece’s General Secretariat for Civil Protection has declared a state of emergency for the island of Amorgos as earthquakes continue to rattle Santorini and several nearby islands.
Last week, authorities also declared a state of emergency for the Municipality of Thira on Santorini due to ongoing earthquake activity.
The emergency measures allow for expedited infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of important facilities such as airports, ports, and roads should the need arise.
The emergency status for Amorgos will remain in effect until March 11.
Experts are now predicting that the tremors, which have intensified over the past few days, may continue for weeks or even months.
Residents of the southern Aegean islands, including Santorini, Amorgos, Ios, and Anafi, continue to experience clusters of earthquakes throughout the day and night.
Earlier on Wednesday, another powerful quake struck 24km southwest of Arkesini, Amorgos, registering 5.0 on the Richter scale. This was followed by dozens of temblors, including 4.9- and 4.8 magnitude quakes.
According to Seismologist Costas Papazachos, who represents the scientific committees overseeing the phenomenon, more than 1,100 earthquakes measuring over 3.0 on the Richter scale have been recorded in the region since February 1.
Papazachos said the frequency of the tremors, the intensity and the duration were “unprecedented” for the region, adding that the committee cannot rule out the possibility of an even larger earthquake.
The ongoing seismic activity near Santorini has sparked controversy among experts in Greece. On Tuesday, seismology professor Akis Tselentis resigned as director of the Athens Geodynamic Institute. He said there was too much government interference in scientific matters.
