Schools on Four Greek Islands Closed Due to Ongoing Earthquakes

Authorities announced on Saturday that schools on four Greek islands will remain closed through next week as seismic activity continues to affect the region.

Since February 1, more than 800 tremors, each with a magnitude of 3 or higher, have been recorded around the popular tourist islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios. This has led to the evacuation of most of Santorini’s 16,000 residents and numerous visitors.

While the earthquake activity has slightly reduced, 11 tremors of magnitude 4 or greater struck on Saturday, including the strongest at 4.9, which occurred at 11 a.m., according to the Athens Institute of Geodynamics. Fortunately, there have been no reports of major damage or casualties since the tremors began.

Experts caution that stronger earthquakes cannot be ruled out. In response to the ongoing situation, authorities in Athens confirmed that schools on the affected islands will remain closed until February 14.

The region has a history of seismic activity. The strongest earthquake of the 20th century, a magnitude 7.7, struck near Amorgos in July 1956, resulting in 53 deaths.

However, experts emphasize that the recent tremors are unrelated to Santorini’s volcano, which erupted violently around 1600 B.C. and had a second eruption about 375 years ago.

Source: pagenews.gr