Greek authorities announced today that schools on the Greek Aegean island of Santorini and the nearby islands of Anafi, Ios and Amorgos will remain closed until at least February 14 due to ongoing seismic activity in the area, the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini“ reported, quoted by BTA.
The Office for Earthquake Planning and Protection (OASP) of the Ministry of Infrastructure specified in a statement that seismic activity in the sea area of the islet of Anidros, between Santorini and Amorgos, remains stable and is not related to volcanic activity in the islet of Nea Kameni, or the underwater volcano of Columbo.
A series of earthquakes with a magnitude of over 4.5 were registered this morning within about 50 minutes in the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos.
Earthquake A 4.6-magnitude quake was recorded at 10:36 a.m., followed by a 4.9-magnitude quake at 11 a.m. and another 4.6-magnitude quake at 11:24 a.m. A total of eight aftershocks, ranging from 3.9 to 4.9 magnitude, were recorded between 10:36 a.m. and 11:24 a.m.
Authorities have also restricted traffic in areas at risk of landslides. Military trucks have delivered power generators to Santorini, and rescue teams remain on standby.
During a visit to Santorini yesterday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis inspected emergency preparedness facilities and announced a 3 million euro financial package for the construction of an emergency evacuation route in the southern region of the island.