Authorities in Greece have declared a state of emergency on the island of Amorgos, due to a series of earthquakes that continue to shake the southeastern Aegean region, the Associated Press reports, reports Focus.
The measure, announced for Amorgos, follows a similar decision for the nearby island of Santorini on February 7, after thousands of unusual tremors were recorded in an underwater zone near the two islands, as well as the islands of Ios and Anafi - popular tourist destinations.
Scientists expressed hope that the seismic swarm may be weakening, but a series of magnitude 5 earthquakes has heightened concern. Seismologists note that the epicenter of the earthquakes is constantly moving north, towards Amorgos.
The declaration of a state of emergency will facilitate the rapid deployment of resources and emergency services. The region has already witnessed a significant mobilization of fire departments, police, coast guard and armed forces, especially on Santorini, where thousands of residents and seasonal workers have left the island.
According to the Crisis Management Committee of the University of Athens, around 12,000 earthquakes with a magnitude above 1 have been recorded since January 26.
Although Greece is located in a highly seismically active part of the world, it regularly experiences earthquakes, such an intense series over such a long period is very rare.