More Greek islands closed their schools today after hundreds of earthquakes shook the Aegean Sea, and a handful of brave tourists enjoyed the stunning views of Santorini, the Associated Press reported, BTA reported.
Thousands of residents and seasonal workers fled the islands of the Cyclades archipelago after hundreds of earthquakes of magnitude up to 5 were recorded in the volcanic region since Friday. Transport companies added flights and ferry services to provide transportation for anyone wishing to leave the islands.
The earthquakes caused cracks in some older buildings, but there were no reports of injuries so far. Schools were closed on four islands yesterday, while 13 are now closed today. On Santorini, public events were earlier canceled, travel to the island was restricted and construction work was banned in certain areas.
Efthymios Lekas, head of the state-run Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, said the epicenter of the earthquakes in the Aegean Sea was moving north of Santorini, stressing that there was no connection to dormant volcanoes in the area.
“This could last for several days or several weeks. We are not able to predict the evolution of the sequence in time,“ Lekas told state television, quoted by the AP.
In Santorini's main town, Fira, the narrow whitewashed streets on the island's higher ground are deserted - a rare sight even in the off-season - except for small groups of tourist groups, most of them from Asian countries. Joseph Liu, from Guangzhou in southern China, told the AP he had wanted to visit Santorini for years after watching a documentary. He joined his family and tour group on a terrace that is usually used for high-end wedding receptions.
“This place is incredible, really beautiful. Just like I saw in the movie: the mystery, the scenery,“ he said. “The (group leader) told us about the earthquakes before we came, so it wasn't a surprise.“
Panagiotis Hatzigeorgou, a retired police officer and shipworker who has lived on Santorini for more than 30 years, said he had turned down offers to visit relatives in Athens.
“The older residents are used to earthquakes... But this time it was different. It's not the same to have earthquakes every 2-3 minutes. The important thing is not to worry," he said, adding with a laugh: "Now we can listen to music alone and drink coffee alone." In Athens, government officials continue to hold daily high-level planning and assessment meetings with briefings from officials on the island.