Santorini Deserted After 10,000 Earthquakes in Two Weeks

Santorini has experienced over 10,000 earthquakes in two weeks, resulting in a mass exodus of residents and significant impacts on tourism. A state of emergency has been declared, and the government is providing support for local businesses. Despite these challenges, some tourists still appreciate the island’s beauty, although concerns over safety and geological stability persist.

Santorini, a once-bustling Greek island known for its stunning tourism appeal, has seen an exodus of residents due to an alarming series of earthquakes. Over the past fortnight, the island has experienced more than 10,000 tremors, culminating in a 5.3-magnitude quake that struck recently. The quaint villages, usually bustling with tourists, now resemble ghost towns as shops are boarded up and schools have closed, instilling widespread fear of a potential natural disaster.

Greek authorities declared a state of emergency as fears of a larger quake loom. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to assure the public, emphasizing that emergency measures were in place. Yet, many residents, fearing for their safety, have fled to the mainland, with thousands having departed in just a week. As a result, Santorini’s storied streets remain eerily quiet, with only a small number of tourists continuing to explore the island’s unique beauty despite the seismic danger.

Tourists like Josephi Liu from Guangzhou still admire Santorini’s charm, despite knowing the risks. Liu expressed that the island remains “amazing, really beautiful,” and was not surprised by the earthquakes. In contrast, older locals such as retired officer Panagiotis Hatzigeorgiou noted the unusual intensity of the tremors, stating that the frequency of quakes every few minutes has led to heightened concern. Compared to past experiences, he encouraged others to remain calm amidst the ongoing turmoil.

Safety precautions have escalated, with hospitals conducting emergency drills. They have set up outdoor tents and performed simulations for evacuations in response to potential disasters. Incidents of rock falls and landslides due to the seismic activity have compounded the challenges faced by the island, exacerbating fears over the safety of buildings constructed along the precarious cliffs. Geology experts like Dimitris Papanikolaou emphasize the dangers inherent in the developments that have occurred in a geologically sensitive area.

Amidst this crisis, the Greek government announced support measures for the tourism-dependent economy of Santorini. Employment contracts can be suspended without layoffs, allowing businesses to retain their workforce through the duration of the emergency. Employees whose contracts are on hold will receive compensation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the local economy during these tumultuous times.

The Greek island of Santorini is grappling with a seismic crisis that has seen the evacuation of residents and the abandonment of businesses due to more than 10,000 earthquakes. While authorities declare a state of emergency and implement support measures to protect tourism jobs, fears remain about the potential for further seismic activity. As tourists continue to enjoy what remains amid the tremors, the geological risks associated with extensive development along the island’s cliffs are being seriously reevaluated.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk