Santorini’s Seismic Risk Diminishes: Expert Assures Safety Ahead of Tourist Season

He reassured that the likelihood of a significant earthquake, specifically a magnitude 6 event, is decreasing. This reduction is attributed to the high frequency of smaller earthquakes, with Santorini experiencing over a thousand minor quakes in a single day, which has effectively released seismic energy from the area.

In a recent interview on Proto Programma 91.6 and 105.8, Eythymis Lekkas, a Professor of Natural Disasters and President of OASP, discussed the seismic situation in Santorini. He reassured that the likelihood of a significant earthquake, specifically a magnitude 6 event, is decreasing. This reduction is attributed to the high frequency of smaller earthquakes, with Santorini experiencing over a thousand minor quakes in a single day, which has effectively released seismic energy from the area.

Lekkas highlighted that infrastructure reinforcement works in Santorini are set to commence soon, with initial projects expected to be completed by Easter, aligning with the start of the tourist season, which includes both Orthodox and Catholic Easter this year. While some simpler projects will be finished before Easter, more complex projects requiring extensive preparation and study will not begin until after Easter and might take up to a year to complete.

He also mentioned that current seismic activity has significantly decreased, with the average magnitude of earthquakes now below 3. This trend suggests a move towards a more stable scenario with no prolonged seismic sequences expected. However, Lekkas noted that isolated earthquakes of up to magnitude 5 could still occur but are not expected to have a significant impact on the island. Overall, the situation in Santorini is viewed positively, with ongoing efforts to ensure safety and operational continuity for the upcoming tourist season.

Source: pagenews.gr